Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 package (16 oz) penne pasta
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden dressing over the chicken. (Optional: Add a splash of milk to the empty bottle, shake, and pour to get the remaining seasonings.)
- Add Dairy: Place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken and sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle black pepper over the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 4-6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Add Pasta: Cook penne pasta separately according to package instructions, drain, and mix into the crockpot.
- Stir & Serve: Mix everything well, ensuring the sauce coats the pasta. Enjoy!
Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms before serving.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for extra cheesiness.
- Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken.
- Garlic Lover’s Edition: Add minced garlic or garlic powder for more flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Tips for Success:
✔ Prevent Burning: Stir occasionally if possible, or place cream cheese in smaller pieces to melt evenly.
✔ Thicker Sauce: Let the pasta sit in the sauce for 10 minutes after mixing to absorb more flavor.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Freezing Tip: Freeze the shredded chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for better texture.
This dish is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!