One of the most popular TikTok recipes right now is Olive Garden chicken pasta, an easy, slow cooker dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Serve it with a side of warm copycat Olive Garden breadsticks, a glass of wine and some Frank Sinatra tunes, and it’ll feel like a night out at your favorite family restaurant!
What’s in Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
The ingredients for this recipe are so easy to find. Layer boneless chicken breast, Olive Garden Italian dressing, cream cheese and Parmesan cheese in a slow cooker. In a few hours, you can slice or shred the chicken, stir in some pasta and dinner is ready! The bottled dressing is a great shortcut ingredient that serves as the cooking liquid and adds loads of zesty flavor from garlic, cheese and herbs.
How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This recipe is adapted from the version on The Magical Slow Cooker blog. It’s a hearty comfort dish that makes 6-8 servings. Serve it warm with breadsticks or garlic bread and a fresh, green salad.
Ingredients
- Nonstick spray
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, trimmed of any fat
- 1 16-ounce bottle Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling on the finished dish
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
- Optional: Toasted breadcrumbs and minced fresh parsley
Nancy’s Tip: Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of shelf-stable shake cheese for this dish. It melts smoothly into the sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- I used a 6-quart slow cooker like this one, but a larger slow cooker will also work.
- This stick blender easily makes a smooth sauce.
- This rotary Parmena grater is just like the ones restaurants use tableside!
Directions
Step 1: Start with the chicken
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom.
Step 2: Add the next ingredients
Pour all of the Olive Garden dressing over the chicken breasts. Place the brick of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the grated fresh Parmesan over everything, along with the black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Set the slow cooker to high, cover and cook everything for about 4 hours until the chicken is done. (It should have an internal temperature of 165°F.) You can also cook it on the low setting for about 6-7 hours.
Step 4: Cook the pasta
Shortly before the slow cooker is done, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions and then drain.
Step 5: Blend the sauce
Use tongs or two forks to move the chicken to a plate or cutting board. Then, use a stick blender to blend the sauce inside the slow cooker for 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a stick blender, use a hand whisk.
Nancy’s Tip: Blending the sauce at this stage before other ingredients are added is the easiest way to get a smooth and creamy sauce with no lumps or oily spots.
Step 6: Shred the chicken
Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken breast apart into shreds. You can do this on a cutting board or place the chicken back in the slow cooker and shred it there. The chicken should be very tender and pull apart easily. Place the shredded chicken back in the slow cooker.
Step 7: Add the pasta
Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together so that the pasta and chicken are coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon the Olive Garden chicken pasta onto plates. Top each dish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and finely diced parsley and toasted breadcrumbs for color and a little crunch.
Here’s What I Thought
This is cheesy and creamy comfort food that’ll warm you up on a chilly night. The Olive Garden Italian dressing is made with garlic and Romano cheese, and these savory flavors are the most prominent in this pasta dish—along with some zestiness from the herbs and vinegar in the dressing. I think if I had had this recipe when the kids were still little it would’ve been in frequent rotation!
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating stir in a little more Olive Garden dressing or cream to help loosen the noodles and sauce.
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Breadsticks
Fresh, buttery and oh-so delicious, these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks taste just like the real deal. Plus, they can be on the table in less than an hour!
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Fettuccine Alfredo
This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Five Cheese Ziti al Forno
After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I'm making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Cheese Ravioli
I love to bake and cook, especially Italian dishes like this homemade ravioli recipe. In fact, my idea of a perfect day consists of cooking my family's favorite foods then watching them dig in!—Lori Daniels, Hartland, Michigan
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Pasta e Fagioli
Here's an Italian favorite made easier by using prepared spaghetti sauce and canned broth for the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Lasagna Classico
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Sicilian Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping
The creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Chicken Parmigiana
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants for years. I found this cheesy chicken parmesan recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making this at home. After 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy making his favorite recipes. -Lola Butler, Sun City, California
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Raspberry Lemonade
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinInspired by: Olive Garden's Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
More cheese, please! You'll get your fill from saucy jumbo pasta shells loaded with four kinds—ricotta, Asiago, mozzarella and cottage cheese. Do the prep work, and then freeze according to the recipe directions to have a ready-to-bake meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Shrimp Alfredo
I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it's a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who's to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice. —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Chicken & Gnocchi Soup
I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a cool evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Marinara Dipping Sauce
My mother, who was Italian American, called marinara sauce "gravy." She made this marinara sauce recipe in big batches several times a month, so it was a staple on our dinner table. A mouthwatering aroma filled the house each time she cooked it. —James Grimes, Frenchtown, New Jersey
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Italian Margarita
With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Herb-Grilled Salmon
My roasted salmon is so simple but elegant enough to serve to company. I make it on days when I have less than an hour to cook. The salmon seasoning is an easy way to add flavor. —Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New York
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Famous House Salad
Antipasto ingredients are sliced and diced to make this substantial chop salad. I like to buy sliced meat from the deli and chop it all up so you can get a bit of everything in each bite. —Kim Molina, Duarte, California
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Eggplant Parmigiana
We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side dish or main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Minestrone
There's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker does most of the work for you! This slow-cooker minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
My homemade spaghetti sauce got rave reviews, but it was so time-consuming to make on the stovetop. My family loves this flavorful slow-cooker version. —Arlene Sommers, Redmond, Washington
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Tiramisu
Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Grilled Chicken Margherita
I invented this roast chicken to prove goat cheese really is delish. I served it to my skeptical family without telling them, and they gobbled it up. But any soft cheese will do. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, DE
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Seafood Alfredo
My guest can't believe I prepared this dish myself. This rich, creamy main dish features plenty of seafood flavors with a hint of garlic and lemon. Frozen peas and a jar of Alfredo sauce make it a simple supper that will be requested time and again.—Melissa Mosness, Loveland, Colorado
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Rotini with Meat Sauce
My husband loves pasta; I cringe over the messy dishes. On Spaghetti Day, as he calls it, I make a one-pot saucy rotini that keeps everyone happy. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Alfredo Dipping Sauce
When I found out I had celiac disease and couldn't have fettuccine Alfredo, I was determined to figure out a way to re-create it. I mix this homemade alfredo sauce with gluten-free multigrain pasta, but you can use any style of pasta. —Jackie Charlesworth Stiff, Frederick, Colorado
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spaghetti & Meatballs
One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Spaghetti with Traditional Marinara and Sautéed Shrimp
Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Olive Garden's Warm Italian Doughnuts
Light, crispy pastry puffs, sopaipillas are a sweet way to round out a spicy meal. They make a nice winter dessert served warm and topped with honey or sugar. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, TexasThe post How to Make Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta appeared first on Taste of Home.
source https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/olive-garden-chicken-pasta/
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