If you’re searching for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. This delightful dish combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy sauce and pasta, all inspired by the beloved flavors of Olive Garden. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied and happy!
Why We Love This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for several reasons. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires minimal prep time. Simply throw your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and let it do the work for you. The fusion of creamy, savory flavors with the chicken and its delightful ease make for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, you have the freedom to customize it to your taste. With a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top, each serving looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients about Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Directions
Making this dish is as simple as following a few straightforward steps. Start by arranging the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the base of your crockpot. This forms the foundation of your meal, making sure each piece is nestled perfectly.
Once the chicken is in place, pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the top. Ensure every piece of chicken is well coated; this dressing is key to infusing rich flavor throughout the dish. Next, place the softened cream cheese directly on top of the chicken and dressing. This will create a creamy, dreamy sauce as it melts during cooking.
Now, sprinkle your seasonings onto the chicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, the optional red pepper flakes. Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to become incredibly tender and easily shred with just a fork.
When the cooking time is almost up, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to hold back about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Once the chicken is done cooking, you can shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. Stir it a bit with the sauce for an even distribution. Now, add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water to the crockpot. Carefully stir to coat the pasta with all that delicious sauce, making sure it absorbs the flavors beautifully.
To finish, set the crockpot to WARM and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the pasta to soak up more sauce and improves the overall flavor. When you are ready to serve, plate it up and garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is part of the joy of this recipe. The dish is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein from the chicken and carbs from the pasta. You can serve it as is, or take it up a notch. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance the meal. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crunch of a fresh garden salad, allowing for both richness and freshness in every bite.
As you dish out generous portions, don’t forget to sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese over the top for that added touch of flavor. Your guests will appreciate the brightness from the parsley garnish and the comforting aroma wafting from the plates. This dish is not just satisfying; it’s visually appealing too, making it perfect for family dinners or hosting friends.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
When making Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, you may want to keep these helpful tips in mind. Invest in a high-quality crockpot that maintains a consistent temperature for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts; they tend to be juicier.
Feel free to customize the spices to suit your preferences. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes; if you prefer a milder flavor, omit it entirely. You can also experiment with different types of pasta—farfalle or fusilli can be great alternatives.
Should you find your sauce a tad thick, mix in additional pasta water until you reach your desired consistency before serving. Lastly, for a more robust flavor, let the dish sit in the crockpot for a while on the WARM setting after cooking. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
How to Store Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Storing any leftovers from your Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is simple. Begin by allowing it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the pasta and sauce into an airtight container. This ensures that flavor and moisture are preserved. You can store it in your fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce appears too thick upon reheating, adding a splash of water or broth can help regain that creamy texture. Stir it well to reincorporate the flavors.
Variation of Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This recipe is highly versatile, and there are several ways to switch it up based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you want to pack in more veggies, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the crockpot alongside the chicken. They will add nutrition and color to the dish.
For a lighter option, you can substitute the regular pasta with whole grain or gluten-free varieties to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. If you want to make it a bit more indulgent, you can add a splash of heavy cream before serving for an extra creamy texture.
If you’re a fan of different flavors, swapping out the Olive Garden dressing for another variety, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing, can yield entirely different taste experiences while still keeping it delicious.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a savory dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a creamy Olive Garden-inspired sauce with pasta.
How long does it take to cook?
Cooking time varies depending on your setting; typically, it takes 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini pasta works best for this dish, but you can use other pasta types like fusilli or farfalle as well.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage, ensuring you have a quick meal ready to go.
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can substitute with chicken thighs for juiciness.
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing Key for flavor infusion.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creates a creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor enhancement.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Other types like fusilli or farfalle can also be used.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the base of the crockpot.
- Pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it in the crockpot and stir it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water to the crockpot and stir to coat.
- Set the crockpot to WARM and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
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