Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

If you are looking for an amazing creamy pasta recipe, then you have to try this Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta using Olive Garden salad dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing) This rich, creamy chicken pasta dish cooked in the slow cooker is the perfect weeknight meal If you’re not in the mood for pasta, you can enjoy Olive Garden chicken by itself with veggies for a full, satisfying meal

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: Set it and forget it This slow cooker creamy chicken recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor

Rich, creamy, and delicious: The combination of cream cheese, Italian dressing, and parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce

Versatile: Serve over ziti, penne, rigatoni, or even zoodles for a low-carb alternative

Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats well, making it a great option for busy weeknights

Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this creamy Italian chicken pasta recipe

Customizable: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, or ground turkey, and adjust the level of seasoning to your taste

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing or your favorite Italian dressing

8 oz cream cheese

1/8 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

16 oz ziti pasta

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese for topping

Chopped parsley for garnish

Ingredients For Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray Place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom

2: Add Ingredients

Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and place on top of the chicken Pour the Italian dressing over everything Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese

3: Cook the Chicken

High setting Cook for 4 hours

Low setting Cook for 6 hours

4: Cook the Pasta

When there are 20 minutes left, boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions Drain and set aside

5: Shred & Mix

Use two forks to shred the chicken Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined

6: Add Pasta & Serve

Mix in the cooked pasta Serve warm, topped with extra parmesan cheese and parsley

Ingredients You’ll Need to make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Variations & Substitutions

Skip the pasta: Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables

Make it low-carb: Swap pasta for zoodles or cauliflower rice

Use different proteins: Try chicken thighs, shrimp, or even ground turkey

Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream

Use different pasta: Substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal

Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce

Side Salad: A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make great accompaniments

Mashed Potatoes: If you skip the pasta, this chicken dish tastes fantastic over mashed potatoes

Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, try serving it over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days Add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to keep it creamy It also freezes well for up to 2 months

Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker instead of separately?

Yes, but for best texture, cook pasta separately If adding directly to the slow cooker, add 1 to 1.5 cups of liquid chicken broth or water and cook during the last 30 minutes

Can I use a different dressing if I don’t have Olive Garden Italian dressing?

Absolutely You can use any Italian dressing of your choice A homemade version with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning works great too

Is there a dairy-free alternative for cream cheese?

Yes You can use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream Another great option is blending soaked cashews with lemon juice and garlic

What can I serve with this creamy Italian chicken pasta?

Pair it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad You can also serve it with sautéed spinach for a nutritious touch

Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness, shrimp added in the last 10 minutes of cooking, or even ground turkey browned before adding to the slow cooker

Try these delicious, creamy slow cooker meals

This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is an easy, flavor-packed comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner With minimal prep, creamy texture, and endless variations, this dish is a must-try Whether you enjoy it with pasta, zoodles, or rice, it’s sure to be a family favorite Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share it

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Easy & Flavorful

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Easy & Delicious

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