If you’re searching for a cozy and comforting meal that can effortlessly feed your family or guests, look no further than Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an irresistible experience. Ideal for busy days, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, making dinner a breeze. With flavors reminiscent of your favorite Olive Garden dishes, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a delicious yet simple meal.
Why We Love This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a favorite for many reasons. First, its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for those hectic nights when you barely have time to cook. By letting your trusty slow cooker do all the work, you can focus on other tasks or simply unwind at home. The combination of Olive Garden Italian dressing and cream cheese creates a flavor profile that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Plus, with each bite of tender chicken and savory pasta, you’ll feel like you’re dining out without ever leaving your house. This recipe is perfect for families, dinner parties, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients about Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16-ounce) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8-ounce) block full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- 16 oz penne pasta
List of ingredients with measurements
- Chicken breasts: 1.5-2 pounds
- Olive Garden Italian dressing: 1 (16-ounce) bottle
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, divided
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Cream cheese: 1 (8-ounce) block, cubed
- Penne pasta: 16 oz
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Directions
Making this Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that even a novice cook can master. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. The chicken serves as the foundation for the flavors you will build upon.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Olive Garden Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and minced garlic. This mixture adds a zesty kick and creamy texture to your chicken, transforming it into something special. After mixing, pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
Now, it’s time to add the cream cheese. Sprinkle the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken. This ingredient is key for achieving that rich, creamy finish. Next, cover your slow cooker and select your cooking setting. You have the option to cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours—whichever works best for your schedule.
As the chicken cooks, you can prepare the penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Remember to drain the pasta but reserve one cup of pasta water, as it may be helpful later for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Once the chicken is done cooking, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks. This shredding process also mixes the chicken with the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. After shredding, add the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine the pasta with the chicken and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gently add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Now you are ready to dish it out! Serve the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta while it’s warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an enjoyable experience. Start by ladling a generous portion onto each plate or bowl. For an aesthetically pleasing touch, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation.
Consider adding some fresh parsley or basil as a garnish to elevate the look of your dish. If you want to take it up a notch, serve it with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad featuring mixed greens and Italian dressing.
This pasta dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but adding sides helps create a well-rounded meal. If you’re hosting a dinner party, guests will delight in this effortless yet impressive dish that can encourage sharing and conversation.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To get the most out of your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, here are some expert tips:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for good-quality boneless and skinless chicken breasts. This will enhance the flavor of your dish and help it remain tender during the slow cooking process.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Check Doneness: For the best results, ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While penne is recommended, you can also explore other pasta types like rotini or fusilli, which will hold the sauce well.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and good-quality Parmesan can elevate the flavors significantly compared to packaged options.
- Leftover Potential: This dish is fantastic for leftovers. It often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have more time to meld.
How to Store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Storing your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. This dish can typically be safely stored in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pasta. Ensure to let it cool down before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently using a microwave or on the stovetop, Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help revive the creamy sauce.
Variation of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Experimenting with your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta can introduce enjoyable variations that cater to different tastes:
- Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition and flavor, incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Add them during the last hour of cooking to maintain texture.
- Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is delicious, you could substitute or combine it with cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
- Lean Cuts: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, as they tend to be more flavorful and tender after slow cooking.
- Creamy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt, which will give a tangy flavor while retaining creaminess.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano or even a pinch of rosemary to create a unique taste.
By playing with these variations, you can make this dish your own while keeping its essence intact.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, Italian dressing, cream cheese, garlic, and pasta, all cooked together in a slow cooker for a comforting meal.
How long does it take to cook?
You can cook this dish on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours depending on your schedule and how quickly you want it ready.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember it may require extra cooking time to reach the proper temperature.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or other spices to adjust the heat level to your liking.
What can I serve with this dish?
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta pairs well with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal experience.
Enjoy preparing and savoring your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta!
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose quality chicken for best results.
- 1 16-ounce bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided Reserve some for serving.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Use freshly minced for best flavor.
- 1 8-ounce block full-fat cream cheese, cubed Key ingredient for creaminess.
- 16 ounces penne pasta Can also use other pasta shapes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the Olive Garden Italian dressing, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and minced garlic. Pour over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Combining
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Serving
- Ladle a generous portion onto each plate or bowl and sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve with crusty garlic bread or a side salad.
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