π Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
π Ingredients
2β3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (16 oz) bottle Olive Garden Italian Dressing
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cut into cubes)
Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Β½ tsp black pepper
Β½ tsp garlic powder (optional but tasty)
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
Optional add-ins:
1 cup spinach
Β½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup broccoli florets
π©βπ³ Instructions
Load the slow cooker
Place chicken in the bottom. Pour the Italian dressing over it. Add cream cheese cubes, Parmesan, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook low & slow
Low: 4β5 hours
High: 2.5β3 hours
Chicken should be super tender.
Shred the chicken
Use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir well so the sauce gets creamy and smooth.
Cook your pasta
Boil pasta separately according to package directions. Drain.
Combine & finish
Stir pasta into the slow cooker. Add spinach or veggies now if using. Let it sit 5β10 minutes to soak up the sauce.
π₯ Pro Tips
Too thick? Add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Extra creamy? Stir in ΒΌ cup heavy cream at the end.
More protein? Add cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way.
π§ Leftovers & Storage
Fridge: 3β4 days
Reheat with a splash of milk so it stays creamy