Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Classic
Introduction
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is one of the most loved comfort food recipes in modern home cooking. Inspired by the famous creamy flavors of Olive Garden, this dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one irresistible meal. It is easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy families because the slow cooker does most of the work. The result is creamy, cheesy, flavorful pasta that melts in your mouth.
This recipe is popular on social media and in family kitchens because it delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lb penne pasta
Optional Ingredients (Recommended)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Add:
- Ranch dressing mix
- Italian dressing mix
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream cheese
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Basil
- Oregano
Do not mix too much. Let it cook slowly.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cook on:
- LOW for 6–7 hours
OR - HIGH for 3–4 hours
The chicken will become very tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add pasta into the slow cooker and mix well.
Cook additional 10–15 minutes so pasta absorbs flavor.
Methods and Cooking Tips
Method 1: Classic Slow Cooker Method
Best for deep flavor and tender chicken.
Method 2: Extra Creamy Method
Add:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Extra parmesan cheese
Method 3: One-Pot Method
Cook pasta directly in slow cooker during last 30 minutes with extra broth.
Formation and Texture
The formation of this dish is:
- Tender shredded chicken
- Thick creamy sauce
- Soft flavorful pasta
The sauce coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
Texture is:
- Creamy
- Rich
- Smooth
- Juicy
History of This Recipe
This recipe is inspired by creamy chicken pasta dishes served in Italian-American restaurants like Olive Garden. While not an official restaurant recipe, home cooks created this slow cooker version to recreate the famous creamy flavor easily.
Slow cooker pasta dishes became popular in the United States in the 1990s and 2000s because they are convenient and delicious.
Today, this is one of the most viral crockpot pasta recipes in the world.
Why Lovers Love This Recipe ❤️
Food lovers enjoy this recipe because:
- Easy to make
- Very creamy
- Family friendly
- Budget friendly
- Perfect for dinner
- Restaurant-quality taste
Kids and adults both love it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Guests
- Weekend meals
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food. It combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicious pasta into one unforgettable meal. It is easy, rich, and loved by everyone.
Once you try it, it will become one of your favorite recipes forever.
If you want, I can also give you:
- Extra creamy restaurant secret version
- Healthy version
- Or Moroccan style version 😊