Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Whenever I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. It’s that creamy, dreamy combination of flavors that makes my heart sing. Picture this: a chilly evening, you’re snuggled up at home, and the aroma of tender chicken simmering away fills the air. There’s something about this dish that not only warms your belly but also brings a sense of nostalgia. Maybe it’s the memories of family dinners or cozy nights in with friends. Whatever it is, I know that this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is going to be your new go-to recipe. The best part? It’s so easy to make! You’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.

Ingredient List for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

When it comes to creating the perfect Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, the philosophy behind the ingredients matters. Each component contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the dish. The tender chicken absorbs the creamy dressing, while the pasta serves as the hearty base, creating a comforting bowl that satisfies.

• 1 cup Light Olive Garden Salad Dressing: This dressing adds a unique flavor profile and creaminess that is essential for the sauce.
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing protein and a tender texture that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
• 4 oz cream cheese: Creaminess at its finest! This ingredient adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor, giving it that traditional Italian taste.
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• 1 cup fat-free half & half: This keeps the sauce creamy while reducing calories, striking a great balance for a lighter dish.
• 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked and drained: The perfect vehicle for this creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.

How to Prepare Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Making Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an effortless experience that anyone can master. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into the preparation!

1. In the bottom of a cold crockpot, add salad dressing, chicken, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Make sure that the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing. This will help infuse those lovely flavors into the meat as it cooks.
2. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. You know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. Be sure to check it periodically, as cooking times can vary based on your specific crockpot.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, turn the crockpot to warm. Take a large fork or tongs and shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. This creates the creamy base for your pasta.
4. Add the parmesan cheese and half & half to the mixture, stirring until well combined. This step is crucial, as the cheeses will deepen the creamy texture and enhance the flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to add the cooked short cut pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
6. Divide the Olive Garden Chicken Pasta into portions and serve warm. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top for that added touch of richness.

Expert Tips about Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Here are some expert tips to ensure that your Olive Garden Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time! Following these suggestions will help you elevate your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Leftover Sauce: If you end up with extra sauce, consider using it as a dip for breadsticks or as a dressing for salad.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Perfect Matches for Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, there are plenty of delicious options to round out your meal.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, toasted garlic bread for a classic Italian pairing.
• Side Salad: A light green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar complements the creamy pasta well.
• Wine Pairing: A refreshing sparkling water or lemonade is a perfect non-alcoholic option.
• Occasions: This dish works perfectly for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even potlucks.
• Seasonal Variations: Consider adding seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus in the spring for a fresh twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and ease of preparation make it a favorite for families and gatherings alike. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it transforms your dinner routine. You won’t regret it—your taste buds will thank you, and so will your loved ones for this deliciously comforting meal!

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and hearty pasta, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Make it tonight and savor the deliciousness!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Light Olive Garden Salad Dressing
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fat free half & half
• 1 pound short cut pasta cooked and drained

Instructions

 

• In the bottom of a cold crockpot, add salad dressing, chicken, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook 3-4 hours on high.
• Turn crockpot to warm, shred chicken and stir to melt cream cheese completely into sauce.
• Toss with parmesan cheese, half & half and cooked pasta.
• Divide into portions and serve warm.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread.
• Leftover Sauce: Use extra sauce as a dip for breadsticks.
• Experiment with Spices: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Keyword comfort food, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipes, Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.