Craving that restaurant-quality Italian comfort food without leaving your home? This copycat Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta recipe brings all the creamy, savory flavors you love straight to your dinner table.
Using a slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy-just add your ingredients, set it, and come home to tender, flavor-packed chicken swimming in a luscious Italian-seasoned cream sauce.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, this Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta crock pot version delivers authentic taste with minimal effort. The best part? It’s ready when you are!
What Does It Taste Like?
This Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta slow cooker recipe delivers rich, creamy indulgence with every bite. The tender shredded chicken absorbs bold Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic from the dressing, creating layers of savory flavor.
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty depth that balances beautifully with the tangy Italian seasoning. The cream cheese creates a velvety, luxurious sauce that coats each penne noodle perfectly.
You’ll experience a restaurant-quality blend of zesty, herbaceous notes with a comforting creaminess that’s absolutely addictive. It’s the ultimate combination of familiar Italian-American flavors that remind you exactly why Olive Garden remains a beloved favorite.
Olive Garden Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (1.5-2 pounds works fine)
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any Italian dressing you prefer)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
Add After Cooking:
- 16 oz penne pasta (cooked according to package directions and drained well)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (for topping)
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment:
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Two forks for shredding chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Slow Cooker Time: 4 hours on HIGH or 5-6 hours on LOW
- Pasta Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Olive Garden Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
Step 2: Pour the entire 16 oz bottle of Italian dressing evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 3: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and the black pepper over the chicken and dressing.
Step 4: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and place them on top of the chicken mixture. This helps it melt evenly during cooking.
Step 5: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: About 15 minutes before your slow cooker time is complete, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 7: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
Step 8: Remove the slow cooker lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the creamy sauce as you go.
Step 9: Add the drained penne pasta to the slow cooker and stir everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy Italian chicken sauce.
Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan cheese over the top, stir once more, and serve immediately while hot.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Vegetable Boost: Transform this into a complete one-pot meal by adding sautéed bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, or broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These additions bring color, nutrition, and textural contrast to your Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta crock pot creation.
2. Protein Variations: While chicken is classic, you can substitute with boneless pork chops, turkey breast, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a lighter option, use chicken thighs which stay even more tender in the slow cooker.
3. Pasta Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to penne-try rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, or even fettuccine noodles. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here too. For a low-carb version, serve the creamy chicken mixture over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
4. Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to give your dish some heat. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend or fresh minced garlic can also amplify the herb-forward flavors.
5. Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in mozzarella, asiago, or romano cheese along with the parmesan for an even richer, more complex cheese flavor. A sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before serving creates delightful melty pockets.
6. Perfect Pairings: Serve this hearty pasta with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A light Italian wedding soup as a starter completes the Olive Garden experience at home.
7. Wine and Beverage Pairings: This creamy Italian chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Pinot Grigio, a light Chardonnay, or a refreshing Italian lemonade. The acidity in white wine cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Tip 1 – Choose Your Dressing Wisely: Olive Garden Italian dressing tends to be high in sodium, which can make your final dish quite salty. If you’re sodium-sensitive, opt for a lower-sodium Italian dressing or even make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. This gives you complete control over the salt level.
Tip 2 – Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Check your chicken at the minimum cooking time. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and stringy, even in a slow cooker. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness or cutting them in half horizontally before cooking.
Tip 3 – Cream Cheese Temperature Matters: For smoother sauce integration, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt more evenly and prevents lumps. If you forget, cut it into smaller cubes to speed up melting.
Tip 4 – Perfect Pasta Timing: Never add uncooked pasta directly to your slow cooker-it will become mushy and absorb too much liquid. Always cook pasta separately until just al dente, drain it well, and add it at the very end. This maintains the ideal texture and prevents a watery sauce.
Tip 5 – Sauce Consistency Control: If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth, pasta water, or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Tip 6 – Shredding Technique: The chicken should shred easily when it’s perfectly cooked. Use two forks pulling in opposite directions, or use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding. Shred the chicken directly in the sauce so it absorbs maximum flavor while still warm.
Tip 7 – Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: This copycat Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta is excellent for meal prep. You can cook the chicken portion ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, then cook fresh pasta and combine when ready to serve. This ensures your pasta doesn’t get soggy while maintaining that just-made taste and texture.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover Italian chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture. The pasta may absorb sauce during storage, so adding liquid helps restore its original consistency.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Q: Can I make this Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Add all ingredients except pasta to your Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken, cook your pasta separately, and combine as directed.
Q: Why is my sauce watery after cooking in the crock pot?
A: Chicken releases moisture during cooking. To thicken the sauce, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but increase the cooking time to 6-7 hours on LOW or 4.5-5 hours on HIGH. Frozen chicken releases more liquid, so you’ll likely need to reduce the sauce afterward for the best consistency.
Q: What can I substitute for Italian dressing to make it healthier?
A: Make your own dressing with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and just a pinch of salt. You can also use a mixture of chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning as a lighter base.
Q: Can I freeze this dish for later?
A: The chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 2 months, but cooked pasta doesn’t freeze as successfully-it becomes mushy upon thawing. Freeze just the chicken mixture and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese from being lumpy?
A: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it at room temperature. During the last hour of cooking, stir the mixture once to help incorporate any remaining chunks into the sauce smoothly.
Q: Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?
A: Yes, but timing matters. Hearty vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms can go in with the chicken. Add delicate vegetables like spinach or fresh tomatoes during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
This copycat Olive Garden Italian chicken pasta proves that restaurant-quality meals can be simple, affordable, and made right in your own kitchen.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming basic ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dinner that rivals any chain restaurant. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or a crock pot veteran, this dish delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time.
The tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and perfectly coated penne create a satisfying meal that brings the whole family to the table. Give this recipe a try tonight-you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to recreate that beloved Olive Garden taste at home!
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