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

Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom.
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.
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
When there are 20 minutes left, boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Use two forks to shred the chicken. Stir everything together until the sauce is well combined.
Mix in the cooked pasta. Serve warm, topped with extra parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad. You can also make it low-carb by using zoodles or cauliflower rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg

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