Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ok home cookin’ foodies, this Olive Garden chicken pasta recipe is where it’s at if you want FLAVOR!

I love how this dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, zesty sauce inspired by Olive Garden’s famous Italian dressing.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Pair this pasta with a crisp salad and some warm breadsticks for a complete Olive Garden-inspired feast at home!

How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken breasts
• 1 bottle Italian dressing (16 oz.)
• 1 block Cream cheese (8 oz.)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lb Pasta (your choice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2:

Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken.

Step 3:

Add the block of cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper on top.

Step 4:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Step 5:

About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package directions.

Step 6:

Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.

Step 7:

Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.

Step 8:

Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss to coat with the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use a Stick Blender for Extra Smooth Sauce

I like to use a stick blender to make the sauce extra smooth and creamy before adding the pasta.

Try Different Pasta Shapes

You can use any pasta shape you like – I find penne, rotini, or fettuccine work particularly well in this dish.

Add Some Veggies

For extra nutrition, try stirring in some steamed broccoli or spinach at the end of cooking.

Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.

Lighten It Up

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and swap half the pasta for zucchini noodles.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Garlic Breadsticks

You can’t go wrong pairing this pasta dish with classic garlic breadsticks.

They’re perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.

I love making a batch of homemade breadsticks brushed with garlic butter to serve alongside.

Garden Salad

A crisp garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Toss mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons in a light Italian dressing.

This salad mimics the one served at Olive Garden and complements the chicken pasta beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

For a healthier option, try serving roasted vegetables as a side dish.

I recommend a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots seasoned with Italian herbs.

The caramelized vegetables add a nice texture and flavor balance to the creamy pasta.

Bruschetta

Surprise your taste buds with a side of fresh bruschetta.

Top toasted baguette slices with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

This Italian appetizer brings a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken pasta.

Stuffed Mushrooms

For an unexpected twist, serve some cheesy stuffed mushrooms on the side.

Fill button mushrooms with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.

These bite-sized delights add an extra touch of indulgence to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize this Olive Garden chicken pasta recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a delicious twist on the classic.

Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

Pasta Options

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes – penne, bowtie, or rotini work great in this dish.

For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to lower the carb content.

Sauce Variations

Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

For a tangier flavor, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

You can lighten up the sauce by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.

Don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Refrigeration

You’ll want to store your leftover Olive Garden chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It will stay fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored.

Portioning

I recommend dividing the leftovers into individual portions before storing.

This makes it super easy to grab a single serving for lunch the next day!

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Remember to label the container with the date so you know when you put it in the freezer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken can lead to dry, tough meat that’s unpleasant to eat.

Adding the pasta too early might result in mushy, overcooked noodles that lack texture.

Sauce Consistency

Neglecting to stir the sauce occasionally can cause it to separate or become lumpy.

Using low-fat cream cheese might make the sauce too thin and lacking in richness.

Seasoning Balance

Forgetting to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving could leave your dish bland.

You might be tempted to add extra salt, but remember the dressing and cheese are already salty.

Timing Issues

Not allowing enough time for the cream cheese to fully melt and incorporate can result in a grainy sauce.

Starting the pasta too late might leave your chicken and sauce waiting, potentially drying out.