Description
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by the popular restaurant. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in Olive Garden Italian dressing with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and fresh basil for an easy, comforting meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 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 fresh basil leaves, torn
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in a large slow cooker and pour the entire 16-ounce bottle of Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken to create a flavorful base.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and dressing, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. Place the 8-ounce block of cream cheese over the mixture to melt during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken and Combine: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Add the torn basil leaves, the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a creamy sauce coating the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while warm and enjoy a creamy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; they tend to be juicier.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon dried).
- If you want a cheesier dish, add extra Parmesan when serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
