Looking for an answer to the question “what’s for dinner?” Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the answer! Perfectly tender shredded chicken cooked in Olive Garden Italian Dressing, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and sun dried tomatoes then tossed with penne pasta and fresh basil. This is a flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love!
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
It’s safe to say this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a new dinner-time favorite! I like how easy it is to make and this is a dish that everyone asked for often.
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The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the pasta (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the printable recipe card):
- Chicken breast
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing – find this in the salad dressing aisle of your grocery store. There are also great substitutes, such as a similar dressing from Aldi.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – no need to grate fresh cheese; the grated Parmesan in a canister is perfect for this recipe.
- Sun dried tomatoes – you can use the dry sun dried tomatoes or the kind in a jar.
- Black pepper
- Cream cheese
- Penne
- Fresh basil
How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Place the chicken breast in a large slow cooker and pour the whole bottle of Olive Garden dressing over the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan over the chicken and dressing along with the chopped sun dried tomatoes.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender. Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the torn basil and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- And the cooked penne and stir well.
- Serve the pasta immediately while hot.
What to Serve with the Olive Garden Pasta
- Tossed salad
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic Bread or breadsticks
How to Store Leftovers
Store the leftover pasta in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
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Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 bottle (16 ounces) Olive Garden Italian Dressing
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 4-5 basil leaves torn
- 1 pound penne pasta
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast in a large slow cooker and pour the whole bottle of Olive Garden dressing over the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan over the chicken and dressing along with the chopped sun dried tomatoes. Place the block of cream cheese on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender.
- Cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. Add the torn basil, the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne; stir well.
- Serve the pasta immediately.
Last Step:
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Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
Nutrition
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76 comments on “Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta”
I discovered your recipe several years ago. It’s one of the biggest hits! My daughter would eat it weekly if I’d cook it. She’s 12 and can put it together for me if I’m not home, it’s that easy. I’d say we eat it at least 1x per 1-2 months. Delicious and SO simple!!
Love having dinner cooked when I get home from work. Thank you for sharing!!
So glad your family enjoys it Ashlyn! Thanks!
My family loved it. Said it was a “keeper!” They also suggested that it would be good to use over mashed potatoes.
Thanks Paulette!
Sorry to say my family didn’t love this. They thought it was sour. The chicken turned out perfect.
How do you recommend cooking this if chicken breast is frozen?
Hi Kristina. For best results I would recommend thawing the chicken before putting in the slow cooker.
This was so easy and delicious. I added a second block of cream cheese as per previous reviews and it turned out great. My two toddlers and my husband loved it!
Glad they loved it Eli! Thanks!
Dressing was over powering. It was good, but need to adjust the dressing when making it.