Tender chicken and penne pasta in a rich, creamy Italian dressing sauce with cream cheese and Parmesan. A popular Olive Garden-inspired dump-and-go slow cooker meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High + pasta time
Total Time: About 2½–5½ hours
Servings: 6
Equipment: 6-quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lbs (700–900 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (16 oz) Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
- 8 oz (225 g) Philadelphia cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12–16 oz (340–450 g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- ½–1 cup chicken broth or water (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or extra Parmesan
Detailed Instructions
- Add the chicken and sauce
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the chicken.
Add the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan on top.
Sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper if using. - Cook the chicken
Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. - Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Add the pasta
Stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
If the sauce looks too thick, add ½–1 cup of chicken broth or water so the pasta has enough liquid to cook.
Mix everything together. - Finish cooking
Cover and cook on High for 30–45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking.
(Taste a piece of pasta to check doneness.) - Serve
Stir in extra mozzarella if desired.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t add the pasta at the beginning or it will become mushy.
- Stir halfway through the pasta cooking time so it cooks evenly.
- For a thicker, richer sauce, use the full 8 oz of cream cheese.
- If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately on the stove and stir it in at the end.
- Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing is key for the authentic flavor — regular Italian dressing works in a pinch but won’t taste the same.
Popular Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach or steamed broccoli at the end.
- Extra creamy: Add an extra 4 oz of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- Different pasta: Rotini or bowtie pasta also work well.
- With bacon: Top with crispy bacon before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Olive Garden-style meal at home.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: The sauce and chicken freeze well. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for best texture.