This creamy Olive Garden-inspired chicken pasta features tender shredded chicken simmered in zesty Italian dressing, rich cream cheese, and Parmesan. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal you can make right at home in under 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & creamy – The sauce is indulgent and full of cheesy goodness.
- Inspired by Olive Garden – A favorite restaurant flavor at home.
- Simple ingredients – No complicated steps or rare ingredients.
- One-pot sauce – Easy cleanup and minimal mess.
- Family favorite – Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz Olive Garden Italian Dressing (or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 16 oz penne pasta
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add chicken breasts and Italian dressing.
- Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.
- Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and cream cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain.
- Stir cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture until well coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster option.
- Try different pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
- Use a garlic and herb cream cheese for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm in a skillet with a splash of milk.
- Freezer: Not recommended as the cream cheese sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different Italian dressing?
Yes! Any zesty or creamy Italian dressing will work.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients (except pasta) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, but you can add heat with crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though full-fat will yield a creamier texture.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Definitely. They cook similarly and add extra flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Romano or Pecorino cheese for a bolder taste.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes. Cook and store components separately, then combine and heat before serving.
What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed broccoli.
Can I bake it into a casserole?
Yes. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
Conclusion
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. Rich, comforting, and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect go-to pasta dish for busy weeknights or indulgent family dinners.
Print
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Olive Garden Chicken Pasta made with zesty Italian dressing, cream cheese, and Parmesan—easy, cheesy, and ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 oz Olive Garden Italian Dressing (or any zesty Italian dressing)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp black pepper
8 oz cream cheese
16 oz penne pasta
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot over medium heat, add chicken breasts and Italian dressing.
Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.
Shred and Make the Sauce:
Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir in Parmesan, black pepper, and cream cheese.
Mix until cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot.
Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve:
Add cooked pasta to the creamy chicken mixture and toss until well combined.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make it a full meal by adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a slow cooker version, cook chicken and dressing on low for 4 hours, then shred and add remaining ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
