Can I use frozen chicken for Olive Garden chicken?

Yes, but it's recommended to thaw it first for even cooking and safety. Using frozen chicken directly in a slow cooker may lead to uneven temperature distribution, which can be unsafe.

What can I substitute for Olive Garden dressing?

Any zesty Italian dressing will work. Choose low-sodium or sugar-free versions if needed. Homemade dressings with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs also do the trick.

Is this recipe like chicken Alfredo?

Not exactly. While it’s creamy like Alfredo, the Italian dressing gives it a tangy, herby kick that makes it distinct from traditional Alfredo sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and skip the parmesan or sub with nutritional yeast. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and flavorful.

Can I freeze Olive Garden chicken pasta?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce before adding the pasta. Once pasta is mixed in, freezing isn't ideal as it tends to get mushy when reheated.

Olive Garden Chicken: The Best Viral Slow Cooker Pasta 2025

Name: Olive Garden Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts; 16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any zesty Italian dressing); 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 8 oz cream cheese (1 block); 16 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained

Olive Garden Chicken

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This Olive Garden chicken is a viral slow cooker recipe made with zesty Italian dressing, cream cheese, parmesan, and shredded chicken, all tossed with tender pasta for a creamy, comforting dinner.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 oz Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any zesty Italian dressing)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
8 oz cream cheese (1 block)
16 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken evenly.
Sprinkle with black pepper and parmesan cheese.
Add the cream cheese block on top.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
While the chicken is finishing, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and stir it into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce.
Mix well and top with additional parmesan if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite sides or store leftovers for later.

Notes

You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives.
Use low-sodium dressing for a lighter version.
Serve with roasted veggies, salad, or garlic breadsticks.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Don’t overcook chicken to prevent it from drying out.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/olive-garden-chicken-recipe/