## Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe – A Creamy and Delicious Meal for All!
Ever had that sudden craving for Olive Garden’s famous chicken pasta but didn’t feel like dining out? Well, fret not! I bring to you an easy-to-make, at-home version of this beloved dish. Without requiring any kind of master chef skills, you can now enjoy this creamy, delectable pasta in the comfort of your own home.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe has checks on all the right boxes. It offers you the satisfaction of crafting your favorite restaurant’s dish at home, in your culinary style. Plus, it’s perfect for those cozy dinner nights and could potentially be your star dish at a potluck or a gathering. Spending 4 hours cooking might sound like a lot but look at the bright side – the slow cooking only enhances the flavors and gives you a plate full of creamy, flavorsome chicken pasta straight from the heart of Olive Garden.
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
#### Ingredients :
– 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 lb pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
#### Directions :
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and drench with Italian dressing.
2. Evenly distribute the Parmesan cheese over the chicken pieces and place the cream cheese on top.
3. Cover the cooker and let it run its magic on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is soft and tender.
4. Use a pair of forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir it until the cream cheese embeds well with the sauce.
5. About 20 minutes before you are ready to serve, start cooking the pasta as per the instructions on the packet. Drain after cooking.
6. Add the pasta to the chicken and sauce in the cooker and stir well for a thorough mix. Season with salt and pepper as you prefer.
7. Serve your dish hot with a splattering of parsley for that gourmet look!
How to Serve Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
The beautiful thing about pasta dishes is that they can be paired with almost anything. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad goes great with Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. A garlic breadstick wouldn’t hurt either!
How to Store Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. You can store it this way for up to 3 days. For reheating, just add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying.
Tips to Make Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
– The secret to a seamless blend of flavors is slow cooking. Don’t rush the process.
– While Olive Garden Italian dressing is recommended for this recipe, you can always experiment with dressings of your choice.
– For gluten-free pasta, switch the traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Variations
If you want to add a tangy kick to your pasta, add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or stir in some spinach for an extra nutrition boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Romano, Asiago, or an Italian blend cheese.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the chicken and add more vegetables to your liking.
3. Can I cook it on high?
Yes, but it could likely affect the texture and flavor as slow-cooking helps extract maximum flavor. If in a hurry, cook on high for 1 ½ – 2 ½ hours.
So, that’s about it. Now you can enjoy a plate full of restaurant-style Olive Garden Chicken Pasta right at home. What are you waiting for? Time to put on that apron and light up the stove. Happy cooking!