Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for busy days when you want something rich and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, savory sauce inspired by the flavors many people love from restaurant-style Italian dishes. The result is a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet requires minimal preparation.
The first time I made this recipe, I was skeptical about how simple it seemed. However, after letting it cook low and slow, the chicken became incredibly tender and infused with flavor. The creamy sauce coats every bite beautifully, especially when served over pasta or rice. I once tried adding a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra color and it blended perfectly with the sauce. Whether you are cooking for your family or preparing a meal ahead of a busy week, this dish delivers comfort and convenience in every serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe requires minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, creating juicy chicken and a creamy, well-balanced sauce. It is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, and gatherings.
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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken: Creamy, Comforting, and Effortless
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is a creamy, comforting slow cooker dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in Olive Garden Italian dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a rich and flavorful sauce perfect over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz penne pasta (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour Olive Garden Italian dressing evenly over the chicken.
- Add softened cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Serve the creamy chicken over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen chicken breasts; increase cooking time slightly.
- For a thinner sauce, add 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts serve as the protein base, becoming tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Olive Garden Italian Dressing
Italian dressing provides tangy, herb-infused flavor and acts as the primary seasoning for the dish.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds nutty depth and enhances the savory profile of the sauce.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder intensifies the flavor and complements the Italian seasoning in the dressing.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Pasta serves as the perfect base to absorb the creamy sauce.
Directions
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour the Italian dressing evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper on top.
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and distribute them over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Stir the mixture thoroughly so the melted cream cheese blends into the dressing, forming a creamy sauce. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and combine with the creamy chicken mixture, or serve the chicken over individual portions of pasta.
Serve warm and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time ranges from 3 to 6 hours depending on your slow cooker setting.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Variations and Customizations
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is easy to adapt to different preferences. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and serve over zucchini noodles instead of pasta. I once substituted half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter sauce.
To add vegetables, stir in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the final 30 minutes of cooking. These additions enhance both flavor and nutritional value.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the mixture to cook uncovered for the final 20–30 minutes. For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
For a lower-sodium option, choose a light Italian dressing and reduce added Parmesan cheese.
You can also transform this dish into a sandwich filling by serving the shredded chicken on toasted rolls, topped with melted mozzarella.
With simple adjustments, this versatile recipe can suit a variety of dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings, excluding pasta):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly into the sauce.
Avoid Overcooking
Cook just until the chicken is tender to prevent dryness.
Stir Thoroughly
Ensure the sauce is fully combined before serving.
Add Pasta Just Before Serving
Mix pasta with the sauce right before serving for best texture.
Let Flavors Rest
Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking for deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and may provide extra juiciness.
Can I cook this on high the entire time?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours, but monitor for doneness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, though texture may vary.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are excellent choices.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate, then reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and effortless dish perfect for busy schedules and comforting meals. With tender chicken and a rich Italian-inspired sauce, it offers restaurant-style taste with minimal effort. Easy to customize and ideal for meal preparation, this recipe is sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
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