Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing Pasta

If you're looking for a delicious and easy dinner idea, you've come to the right place! Last week, my son Jake asked if we could have pasta for dinner, and I thought, why not whip up a Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing Pasta? This dish is not only super simple, but it’s also a hit with the whole family, making it one of my favorite Chicken Crockpot recipes easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a one-pot meal, so clean-up is a breeze.
• Packed with flavor from the Olive Garden dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Kid-friendly and can be customized to suit picky eaters.

Pure Comfort

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, especially when it’s cooked slowly in a crockpot. The aroma fills the house, making everyone feel at home. This Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing dish is like a big hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

What You Need

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
• 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing – Any Italian dressing works too.
• 12 oz penne pasta – Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Vegetable broth is a great alternative.
• 8 oz cream cheese – Can use low-fat cream cheese.
• 2 cups fresh spinach – Kale can be used instead for a different flavor.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese – Use grated or shredded based on preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 4 hours on low | Total: 4 hours 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing the night before.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. They should be nice and snug, ready to soak up all that flavor.
2. Pour the Olive Garden dressing over the chicken. You’ll love the zesty smell as it mixes in!
3. Add the chicken broth to the crockpot. This will keep everything moist and tasty as it cooks.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
5. Once the chicken is done, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly.
6. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and creamy. This adds a rich texture that makes the dish even more comforting.
7. Add the penne pasta and fresh spinach. Stir well to combine everything, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
8. When the pasta is al dente, sprinkle with parmesan cheese. The cheesy goodness will melt into the dish beautifully.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the smiles around the table. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Make It Perfect

• Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• Always check the seasoning before serving; a pinch of salt can elevate the flavors.
• Leftovers can be used in wraps or salads for a quick lunch!

Mix It Up

• Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Mix in some roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
• A glass of white wine complements this dish perfectly.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing Pasta is a fantastic dish that brings the family together. With its ease and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become one of your go-to Chicken Crockpot recipes easy enough for any night of the week. Enjoy every bite!

Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing Pasta

A comforting and easy crockpot chicken pasta dish featuring Italian dressing, cream cheese, spinach, and parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender shredded chicken and penne pasta in a flavorful creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 4 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts You can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
• 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing Any Italian dressing works too.
• 12 oz penne pasta Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• 1 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth is a great alternative.
• 8 oz cream cheese Can use low-fat cream cheese.
• 2 cups fresh spinach Kale can be used instead for a different flavor.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese Use grated or shredded based on preference.

Equipment

• Crockpot
• Forks

Method

 

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Pour the Olive Garden dressing over the chicken.
3. Add the chicken broth to the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
6. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Add the penne pasta and fresh spinach; stir well, cover, and cook for 30 more minutes.
8. When the pasta is al dente, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.