Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant—but without standing over the stove—this Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels indulgent, yet is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.
Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Alfredo-style sauce come together to create a family-friendly dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights, weekend comfort meals, or even casual gatherings. The flavors are inspired by classic Olive Garden favorites, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta Is So Popular
This recipe has gone viral for a reason. It combines simplicity, rich flavor, and convenience all in one dish.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
Once the chicken is in the slow cooker, most of the work is done for you. The chicken cooks slowly, soaking up Italian seasoning and broth until it becomes juicy and easy to shred.
Creamy Olive Garden–Style Taste
The homemade Alfredo-style sauce is rich, cheesy, and smooth—similar to the flavors people love at Olive Garden, but made fresh at home.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food
Creamy pasta and tender chicken is a combination that both kids and adults love.
Ingredients Required
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a luxurious final dish.
For the Slow Cooker Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cooked until tender and easy to shred
- Kosher salt & black pepper – For balanced seasoning
- Dry Italian dressing mix – Adds that signature Olive Garden-style flavor
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Keeps the chicken moist and flavorful
For the Pasta & Sauce
- Penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce well
- Unsalted butter – Creates a rich base for the sauce
- All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the Alfredo sauce
- Fresh garlic – Adds depth and aroma
- Dried parsley – For subtle herb flavor
- Half & half + heavy cream – The key to a creamy, smooth texture
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, cheesy richness
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and the dry Italian dressing mix. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
Cover and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid to keep the chicken juicy. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and set it to WARM.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken rests, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt the butter
- Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux
- Add garlic, remaining salt, pepper, and dried parsley
- Slowly whisk in the half & half and heavy cream
- Cook until thickened, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth
The sauce should be creamy, rich, and lump-free.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker with the chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley on top.
What to Serve With Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
This rich dish pairs perfectly with lighter sides:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh green salad with Italian dressing
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Roasted vegetables
These sides balance out the creaminess of the pasta beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly al dente pasta holds up better in creamy sauces
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Keep the slow cooker on warm, not hot, once everything is combined
- Add liquid when reheating to keep the sauce from drying out
Easy Variations to Try
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts
Chicken thighs add extra richness and stay even juicier.
Add Vegetables
Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Lighter Version
Use more half & half and less heavy cream, or reduce the butter slightly.
Extra Cheesy
Add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even richer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but it can be frozen if needed. Expect a slight texture change when reheated.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families and cozy homemade dinners.
