Chicken Pasta in white bowl with slow cooker and breadsticks in background.

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious meal that doesn’t require much effort, look no further than this Mouthwatering Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in the Slow Cooker. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something rich in flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love.

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The Allure of Slow Cooker Recipes

There’s something magical about a slow cooker. You can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together throughout the day. This recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and hearty penne pasta to create a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. If you love easy crock pot recipes, this one should be at the top of your list. It’s a great option for dinner tonight or any time you need a hearty meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in glass bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 packet Italian dressing mix
½ cup Olive Garden dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
12 oz. penne pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 block of cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

These ingredients work together to create much flavor, making this dish a family favorite!

2 crockpots with chicken and sauce mixture along with plate of shredded chicken.

Two slow cookers with chicken pasta mixture being stirred in.

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle the Olive Garden dressing over the top. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, garlic powder, and black pepper for a burst of flavor.
Add Creamy Elements: Next, add the block of cream cheese and the cream of chicken soup on top of the chicken. This will create a rich, creamy sauce as it cooks.
Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker, place the lid securely, and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this cooking time, the chicken will become tender and infuse the broth with incredible flavor.

Up close image of chicken and past on fork.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the uncooked pasta. About 30 minutes before the chicken is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to soak up more of that flavorful broth once it’s mixed back in. After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Next, it’s time to create the creamy sauce. Stir in the cup of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture in the slow cooker. This addition creates a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.

Combining Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked penne pasta to the slow cooker and gently toss it with the chicken mixture until everything is well coated. This step ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. Allow the pasta to heat through in the slow cooker for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Chicken pasta being scooped out of slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect meal, serve your Mouthwatering Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in the Slow Cooker with a side of garlic bread. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the creamy pasta dish perfectly. If you have fresh basil on hand, sprinkle it over the top for an extra touch of flavor and color. This meal is not only great for dinner but also works wonderfully for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a quick lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Olive Garden-inspired dish is a great meal for those days when you’re busy and need to prepare something quick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy. The blend of Italian dressing and garlic adds a depth of flavor that makes this recipe truly special. Plus, the ease of making it in a slow cooker means you’ll have more time to spend with your family.

Overhead image of chicken and pasta in crockpot surrounded by ingredients and breadsticks.

Conclusion

The next time you’re searching for an easy recipe to feed the whole family, look no further than this Mouthwatering Olive Garden Chicken Pasta in the Slow Cooker. With just a little prep time and the help of your magical slow cooker, you can create a dish that is rich, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply need a stress-free dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

For your convenience, don’t forget to check out the printable recipe card below! Enjoy your delicious creation and the smiles it brings to your family’s faces!

If you love slow cooker recipes, check out The Best Effortless Crockpot Honey-Garlic Chicken Recipe