My hubby and I are hooked on this Olive Garden-inspired chicken pasta

My hubby and I recently had an amazing meal there, and we couldn't stop talking about the tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that creamy sauce that had us weak in the knees. We just had to bring that deliciousness to our own kitchen! So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, determined to recreate the magic of Olive Garden's Chicken Pasta. It became our personal mission to perfect the recipe, making sure every bite would transport us back to that dining experience.

We experimented with different herbs and spices, tweaked the sauce until it reached creamy perfection, and tested cooking methods to nail that tender chicken. It took some trial and error, but trust me, the final result was worth every ounce of effort.

Now, we're thrilled to share our Slow Cooker Olive Garden-inspired Chicken Pasta recipe with you, so you can savor the same mouthwatering flavors right at home. We kept the following version dead simple so this recipe is easily accessible when you are short on time.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16-ounce Italian dressing (preferably from Olive Garden)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour Italian dressing over the chicken and half of Parmesan cheese, ensuring each piece is coated. Put cream cheese on top and spread out.

2. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Before the cook time is up, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

4. Drain pasta and add to chicken with sauce. Mix well.

5. Serve this dish hot. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.