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Copycat Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken Pasta

Copycat Olive Garden Crockpot Chicken Pasta

This viral Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta combines the creamy, cheesy flavors of your favorite restaurant dish with the ease of slow cooking. Just five simple ingredients create an ultra-rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly tender shredded chicken — all tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

  • slow cooker or crockpot
  • tongs or forks for shredding chicken
  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 ounces bottle of Italian dressing (Olive Garden or similar oil-based vinaigrette)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat block
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 16 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini), cooked and drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker so they lie mostly flat.
  • Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Add the cream cheese block directly on top.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well until the cream cheese is melted and fully blended into the sauce.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Add optional minced garlic or red pepper flakes at this stage for extra flavor.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and add directly to the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat the pasta in sauce.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Tips: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. For extra garlic flavor, stir in fresh minced garlic during the final 30 minutes of cooking. To brighten the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Variations: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for richer flavor. Turn this into a baked pasta by topping with mozzarella and baking for 15 minutes at 350°F.
Storage: Best eaten fresh. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic breadsticks and a side salad with Italian dressing for the full Olive Garden experience.