Creamy Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbsboneless (skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender chicken breasts absorb the sauce's flavors while cooking, resulting in a succulent bite that's both protein-rich and satisfying.)
- 1bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing: This dressing brings in a zesty (herbal flair, acting as both a marinade and sauce base, enhancing the dish's overall taste.)
- 1 cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adding a creamy (nutty flavor, Parmesan also helps thicken the sauce, giving it the signature creamy consistency.)
- ½ tspblack pepper: A key spice that adds a subtle heat (balancing the rich, creamy elements of the dish.)
- 4 clovesgarlic (minced: Garlic provides aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.)
- 1block full-fat cream cheese: The richness of cream cheese adds creaminess to the sauce (making it luscious and indulgent.)
- 16 ozpenne pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for catching the sauce (ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: Place 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- 2
Make the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 bottle Olive Garden Italian dressing, 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ tsp black pepper, and 4 cloves garlic, minced. Stir well until the cheese is well incorporated.
- 3
Combine with chicken: Pour the sauce mix over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are fully coated.
- 4
Add cream cheese: Top the chicken and sauce with 1 block full-fat cream cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate during cooking.
- 5
Cooking time: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- 6
Cook the pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your 16 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 7
Shred the chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the creamy sauce until well combined.
- 8
Add pasta: Gently fold the cooked penne into the chicken and sauce mixture until all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
- 9
Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor.