Name: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 (16 oz) bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing; 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 oz penne pasta

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A rich, creamy, and flavorful copycat of Olive Garden’s beloved chicken pasta—made effortlessly in the slow cooker with minimal prep and maximum taste. I love how tender the chicken turns out, all soaked in zesty Italian dressing and smooth cream cheese sauce over pasta. Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a true dump‑and‑go meal that comes together in minutes yet delivers that signature Olive Garden flavor at home. The creamy sauce made from Italian dressing and cream cheese beautifully clings to every bite of pasta, making it a crowd‑pleaser with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive Garden Italian dressing (or your preferred creamy Italian dressing)
cream cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
ground black pepper
pasta (penne works best)

directions

Spray the slow cooker insert or line it for easy cleanup.
Add chicken breasts and pour over all the Italian dressing (usually a full 16‑oz bottle). Sprinkle with Parmesan and a bit of pepper, then top with chunks of cream cheese.
Cover and cook on low for about 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
About 20–30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta to al dente and drain well.
Stir the cream cheese until melted, then shred the chicken with two forks. Mix the pasta into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and sauce, stirring gently to coat.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This makes about 6–8 servings depending on portion size.

Prep time: ~10–15 minutes
Cook time: 5–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6–7 hours

Variations

I sometimes use half creamy dressing and half chicken broth or heavy cream to cut down on tanginess or saltiness.
I’ve added sautéed vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the last 30–60 minutes for extra flavor and nutrition.
To lighten it, I’ve substituted heavy cream instead of cream cheese, adding it at the end to avoid curdling. The sauce comes out thinner but still tasty.

storage/reheating

Storage

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, although the sauce may thicken when reheated.

Reheating

I add a splash of milk or cream when reheating in the microwave or on the stove to help loosen the sauce. Thawing frozen portions in the fridge 24 hours before reheating helps prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I serve this dish with something other than pasta?

Yes—I often serve it over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a lighter meal. It’s delicious on its own too if I’m watching carbs.

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

No. I always thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Frozen chicken doesn’t reach safe temperatures fast enough in a slow cooker and may risk food safety.

Does this taste like Olive Garden chicken Alfredo?

Sort of—but this version has a zesty lemon‑Italian dressing tang that sets it apart from traditional Alfredo. It’s creamy, but not quite the same flavor profile.

What pasta shape works best?

I prefer penne or other sturdy pastas like rotini or fusilli since they hold the sauce well. Thin noodles like spaghetti can get mushy and not cling as nicely.

Can I make this gluten‑free or dairy‑free?

Absolutely. I’ve used gluten‑free pasta with no issues. For dairy‑free, cream cheese alternatives work, and non‑dairy Parmesan-style shreds make it doable, though texture and flavor are slightly different.

Conclusion

I love how this recipe brings together tangy Italian dressing, creamy cheese, and tender chicken into one comforting, hands‑off meal. It’s perfect for busy days, feeding a family, or prepping ahead for dinner. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunches too. Whenever I crave Olive Garden pasta at home, this is my go‑to. I hope it becomes one of your favorites too!