Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Fresh or thawed.
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing: Provides the signature tangy, zesty flavor.
- 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 package (16 oz) penne pasta: Can be swapped for other types of pasta like rotini or farfalle.
- 1 cup (or more, to taste) of shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and depth to the sauce. Freshly shredded or bagged is fine.
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (optional): Helps get the last bits of dressing from the bottle and adds some creaminess.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a bit of spice to balance the flavors.
- Salt (optional, depending on personal preference or if your Parmesan is salted).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set Up the Crockpot:
- Grease your crockpot lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the 2-3 chicken breasts flat at the bottom of the crockpot. It’s important that they are spread evenly to cook through properly.
- Pour in the Dressing:
- Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Optional: Add a splash of milk (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) to the empty dressing bottle, shake it well to capture all the leftover dressing, and pour it into the crockpot. This will add extra creaminess.
- Add the Cream Cheese and Seasonings:
- Place the block of cream cheese directly on top of the chicken. It will melt into the dressing and create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the cream cheese and dressing. Start with about 1 cup, but feel free to add more if you love a cheesier flavor.
- Season generously with black pepper. The amount depends on your taste, but about 1/2 teaspoon to start should add a nice subtle spice.
- Cooking Time:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to high heat for 4 hours, or low heat for 4-6 hours. The chicken will become tender and the sauce will develop during this time.
- Do not stir during the cooking process; let the sauce and chicken cook undisturbed.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add salt to the boiling water (about 1 tablespoon for flavor) and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Shred the Chicken:
- After the crockpot timer goes off, the chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. It should pull apart easily.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to fully incorporate the cream cheese, Parmesan, and dressing into a creamy mixture.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Once the chicken is shredded and the sauce is well-mixed, add the drained pasta into the crockpot.
- Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy chicken mixture. Ensure the pasta is well-mixed and submerged in the sauce.
- Final Touches:
- Taste the pasta for seasoning. If needed, add a pinch more of black pepper or even a sprinkle of salt, depending on your preference.
- For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle more shredded Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt slightly before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dish out the creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into bowls or plates.
- Optional toppings: You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for color or even red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal!
Additional Tips:
- Vegetables: You can add veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach toward the end of cooking for a more balanced meal.
- Pasta Variations: This dish works well with any pasta shape—fusilli, ziti, or rigatoni are great alternatives.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
This hearty, creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta will be a favorite comfort meal in your house!