Name: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487818H2M14S
Total time: PT-487818H2M14S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 lb penne or rotini pasta, cooked; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a copycat of Olive Garden’s classic pasta dish, but even easier to make at home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to feed the whole family. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy with little effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive Garden Italian dressing
Cream cheese, softened
Grated Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream or milk
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Penne or rotini pasta, cooked
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Pour Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken.
Add cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and stir into the creamy sauce.
Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
Serve the creamy chicken sauce over pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

Serves 6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 4–6 hours, 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas before serving.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it before adding to the slow cooker for best results.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer the chicken and sauce together until fully cooked, then shred and serve.

Do I have to use Olive Garden dressing?

No, any Italian dressing works, but Olive Garden’s adds the signature flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store in the fridge, then reheat with extra cream to keep it saucy.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are great options to hold the sauce.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?

Yes, substitute for the cream cheese and heavy cream mixture if you prefer.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Add extra Parmesan cheese or let the sauce cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach pair wonderfully.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent meal that brings restaurant flavors right to your kitchen. With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and pasta to soak it all up, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple and family favorite.