Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
on Jun 29, 2024, Updated May 16, 2025
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This creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a family-friendly slow cooker dinner that’s rich, comforting, and unbelievably easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients—including tender shredded chicken, Italian dressing, and Parmesan—this dump-and-go recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and even picky toddlers will love the creamy pasta coated in cheesy goodness. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even veggies for a customizable meal that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s made in the crockpot, so it’s super convenient for busy families.
Why Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is Great for Toddlers and Families
- Nutritious: This dish combines lean protein from the chicken, calcium from the cheese, and energy-boosting carbohydrates from the pasta. It’s a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients for growing toddlers.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The creamy, cheesy sauce with the familiar taste of Olive Garden dressing makes this pasta a hit with toddlers. The mild flavors are appealing to young palates, ensuring your little ones will love it.
- Convenient: Using a crockpot means minimal hands-on time and effort. You can set it up in the morning and have a delicious dinner ready by evening, freeing up time for other activities.
- Adaptable: You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value, or use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- 1 + 3/4 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Easy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, then pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken to cover.
- Cook the Chicken: Set your crockpot to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is out, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cubed cream cheese, cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese back into the crockpot. Then stir everything together until well combined.
- Final Cooking: Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer darker meat.
Italian Dressing: Use homemade Italian dressing or a low-sodium version.
Cream Cheese: Swap with a dairy-free cream cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Try any other cheese or a vegan parmesan if needed.
Pasta: Any pasta shape works! Try rotini, shells, or gluten-free noodles to suit your family’s needs.
Storing Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Then you can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, and then you can thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Common Questions
Can I make this olive garden pasta without a slow cooker?
- Yes! You can make this in a dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken in the dressing until cooked through, then shred, mix in cream cheese and Parmesan, and combine with cooked pasta.
How do I make this dairy-free?
- Use a dairy-free cream cheese and either skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be creamy and comforting.
Is this healthy slow cooker chicken pasta toddler-friendly?
- Definitely. The flavors are mild and creamy, and the shredded chicken and soft pasta make it easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy.
More Healthy Toddler Dinner Ideas
Veggie Orzo – This Veggie Orzo is a colorful, toddler-friendly pasta dish filled with soft, easy-to-eat vegetables. It’s quick to make and perfect as a healthy side or a light main meal for little ones and grown-ups alike.
Creamy Pesto Pasta – Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious way to serve up greens! With its smooth texture and vibrant flavor, it’s a hit with toddlers and an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in minutes.
Oven-Baked Spaghetti – Oven-Baked Spaghetti takes classic pasta to the next level—baked until bubbly with melty cheese on top. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that’s great for busy nights and full of family-friendly flavor.
Feta Orzo Bake – This Feta Orzo Bake is a creamy, veggie-loaded dish that’s baked to perfection. With crumbled feta and a tomato base, it’s a comforting, toddler-approved meal that feels both hearty and wholesome.
Deep Dish Mini Pizzas – Deep Dish Mini Pizzas are a fun, hands-on meal made in a muffin tin! With soft dough, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, they’re perfect for little hands and quick family dinners.
I hope you love this easy crockpot olive garden chicken pasta as much as my family does! If you do, tag me @reallittlemeals so I can see your yummy creations!
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 1+1/3 cup Olive Garden dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, then pour the Olive Garden Italian dressing over the chicken to cover.
- Set your crockpot to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- While the chicken is out, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cubed cream cheese, cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese back into the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Just made this for dinner tonight and it was so easy to make and every one loved it!!! Paired it with some homemade garlic bread and it was a great week night meal for the family!
This is absolutely delicious, ate to my fill, can’t wait to eat leftovers, did garlic bread sticks and Caesar salad with it.