Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 bottle Olive Garden Italian Dressing
16 ounces
- 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
Directions
- 1
Place the chicken breast in a large slow cooker and pour the whole bottle of Olive Garden dressing over the chicken.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- 5
Shred the chicken with two forks. Add the torn basil, the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked penne; stir well.
- 6
Serve the pasta immediately.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right at home, but without all the fuss? This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta delivers a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying meal with minimal effort.
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the slow cooker's ability to transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Using a full bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing infuses the chicken with tangy, savory notes, while cream cheese melts down to create an incredibly luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every piece of tender chicken and penne pasta. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it marvel that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Prepare for a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring incredibly tender, shreddable chicken steeped in a tangy, herbaceous sauce. The sauce, made with the iconic Olive Garden Italian Dressing and rich cream cheese, offers a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and a touch of zest from the sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh basil brightens each bite, making this a satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy evening. You'll love how the penne pasta soaks up all that incredible flavor, creating a truly decadent experience.
Customization & Variations
While boneless, skinless chicken breast is called for, you could easily swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier texture. Feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like rotini or cavatappi if penne isn't on hand. For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving & Context
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an ideal weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with family and friends on a relaxed weekend. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the ultimate easy Italian-inspired feast.