Olive Garden Chicken Pasta (Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Recipe)
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Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is one of those creamy, comforting dinners that makes everyone think you ordered takeout, but it is actually made right in your slow cooker. This slow cooker creamy Italian chicken pasta is rich, flavorful, and unbelievably easy, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
I have made this easy slow cooker chicken pasta dinner more times than I can count.
It is one of my go to meals for church potlucks, family gatherings, and those nights when Noah has band practice and I need dinner ready the second we walk in the door.
If you love recipes like creamy crock pot chicken and rice, baked ziti, or Italian dressing chicken in the crock pot, this recipe will absolutely be a favorite in your house too.
Looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas? Check out my full list of quick, family-friendly dinners here.
Table of contents
- Why I Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Pasta
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
Why I Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
There are so many reasons this creamy Italian chicken crock pot recipe works so well for real life.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients.
- The slow cooker does most of the work.
- The chicken turns out tender and flavorful every single time.
- It feeds a crowd.
- It tastes like an Olive Garden chicken pasta copycat but costs so much less.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it feels fancy but requires very little effort.
I can start it in the morning and focus on work or errands while dinner practically makes itself.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This Italian dressing chicken crock pot pasta recipe uses simple, easy to find ingredients that come together beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
These cook low and slow until they are fork tender. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. - Italian dressing
This is the key flavor builder. It gives that classic zesty Italian taste that makes this slow cooker creamy Italian chicken pasta so delicious. Any bottled Italian dressing works well. - Cream cheese
This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. I use full fat cream cheese for the best texture, but reduced fat will work if that is what you have. - Grated Parmesan cheese
Adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre grated works too. - Pasta
I typically use penne or rotini because the sauce clings to the ridges. You can use any short pasta shape you love. - Salt and black pepper
Simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor.
That is it. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
This easy crock pot chicken pasta dinner truly could not be simpler.
Here is how I make it in my kitchen.
My little kitchen trick that works every time is this. I cube the cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker. It melts faster and blends more smoothly into the sauce without leaving lumps.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Pasta
- Do not overcook the chicken. Check it at the 4 hour mark to prevent dryness.
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm for easier shredding.
- Cook the pasta separately and add it at the end so it does not become mushy.
- If the sauce seems thick, stir in a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Olive Garden chicken pasta slow cooker recipe is hearty on its own, but I love to serve it with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A simple Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A fresh garden salad with Italian dressing
If I am feeding a crowd, I will double the recipe and keep it warm in the slow cooker for guests to serve themselves.
Recipe Variations
There are so many ways to customize this creamy Italian chicken crock pot recipe.
- Add steamed broccoli for a one pot meal.
- Stir in spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Substitute half and half of the cream cheese with heavy cream for a thinner sauce.
- Add shredded mozzarella on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
For food safety, it is best to use thawed chicken so it cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.
Yes. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve and combine.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
You can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture without the pasta. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and stir in freshly cooked pasta.
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold onto the creamy Italian sauce.
This slow cooker creamy Italian chicken pasta has truly become one of my most reliable comfort meals.
It tastes like an Olive Garden chicken pasta copycat, but it is made with simple ingredients right in your own kitchen.
I hope you try this easy crock pot chicken pasta dinner soon.
If you do, I would love for you to leave a comment and tell me how your family liked it.
Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta (Olive Garden copycat)
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 16 oz Barilla Protein+ Penne pasta
- salt
Directions
- In a Crock Pot, stir together crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder. Add in the chicken breasts, ensuring that the chicken is covered in the liquid.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred chicken with two forks.
- Boil a large pot of water for the pasta then salt the water, add your pasta, and cook the pasta according to the package directions, about 10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and spinach to the Crock Pot. Cook on low for about 10 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the Crock Pot and stir well. Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
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My husband and I enjoyed it! I made it as the recipe said, had to add more liquid! Next time I will add more crushed tomatoes! But it is a keeper!