If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s super easy to whip up, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Easy Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Recipe! I remember one rainy evening when my son, Jake, asked if we could have pasta for dinner. Little did he know, I had a surprise waiting in the crockpot—this delicious dish made with Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Dressing.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- The flavors are kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters.
- You can prep it in minutes and let the crockpot do the work.
- It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
Pure Comfort
This dish wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. The aroma fills your home, making everyone feel cozy and loved. When you sit down to enjoy it, you can’t help but smile. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, sparking laughter and stories around the table.
What You Need
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
- 1 cup Olive Garden dressing – Any Italian dressing works too.
- 12 oz penne pasta – Feel free to use gluten-free pasta.
- 8 oz cream cheese – You can use low-fat cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Kale can be used for a heartier option.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 4 hours on low | Total: 4 hours 10 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before.
Steps to Make It
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. They should be nice and flat, ready to soak up all that delicious dressing.
- Pour the Olive Garden dressing over the chicken. The tangy aroma will make your mouth water already!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- While the chicken cooks, boil a pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. It should be al dente, with a slight bite.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the crockpot. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt beautifully in the warm mix.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the chicken before cooking.
- Don’t skip the fresh spinach; it adds a nice color and nutrients.
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.
- Always taste before serving; you might want to add a pinch of salt or pepper.
- Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup!
Mix It Up
- Swap the penne for fettuccine for a different pasta experience.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Mix in some mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Perfect Partners
- Garlic bread for a crunchy side.
- A fresh garden salad to balance the meal.
- Steamed broccoli for a healthy addition.
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FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for Olive Garden dressing?
Any zesty Italian dressing will work just fine.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by an hour.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Crockpot Olive Garden Pasta Recipe is a winner for any family dinner. With its simple prep and comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation. So grab your crockpot and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Easy Chicken Crockpot Pasta
Equipment
- Crockpot
- pot
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts You can substitute with thighs for more flavor
- 1 cup Olive Garden dressing Any Italian dressing works too
- 12 oz penne pasta Feel free to use gluten-free pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese You can use low-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Freshly grated gives the best flavor
- 2 cups fresh spinach Kale can be used for a heartier option
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot, spreading them flat.
- Pour the Olive Garden dressing over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours until the chicken shreds easily.
- While the chicken cooks, boil water and cook penne pasta until al dente.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the crockpot and stir until the spinach wilts.