Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta (2024)

Craving the comforting flavors of Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Pasta but short on time? Look no further! Our Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta recipe has got you covered. With the convenience of your trusty Instant Pot, you can whip up this mouthwatering dish in no time, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce come together effortlessly to create a restaurant-quality meal that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds. Say goodbye to long wait times and hello to dinner perfection – let’s dive into this delectable recipe!

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends and family, this Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, let’s grab our ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy without ever leaving home!

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a complete meal in one. You can pair it with a crisp salad, breadsticks or eat it as is.

What Will You Love About Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Here are some of the most compelling:

1. Authentic Flavor: Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta faithfully recreates the beloved flavors of the classic Olive Garden dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy, indulgent sauce, every bite transports you to your favorite Italian restaurant.
2. Effortless Preparation: With the convenience of the Instant Pot, preparing this dish is a breeze. Simply add the ingredients, set the pressure cooking time, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
3. Customizable Ingredients: While the recipe stays true to the Olive Garden original, it’s easy to customize to your taste preferences. Add extra veggies, adjust the seasonings, or swap out the protein for a dish that’s uniquely yours.
4. Family-Friendly: Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Even picky eaters will love the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
5. Cost-Effective: Making this dish at home is not only convenient but also budget-friendly. Skip the trip to the restaurant and enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at a fraction of the cost.
6. Versatile Leftovers: Any leftovers can be easily reheated for a quick and delicious meal later in the week. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner, or freeze them for future enjoyment.

Overall, Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is a winning combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among home cooks everywhere.

What Is In This Olive Garden Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Chicken – I Used Boneless chicken breast but you could also reach for tenderloins.
• Dressing – You can buy Olive Garden dressing at most mass retailers. It will give it that creamy flavor.If you can’t find Olive Garden Italian dressing, you can use another brand of salad dressing, just be sure to get the “zesty Italian” for that same flavor we all love.Or better yet, check out my recipe to make a copycat version of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing.

• Cream Cheese – This cream cheese is going to really give it a rich and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese – This is going to really amplify the flavor of your chicken pasta, you stir it in at the end on saute.
• Pasta – Feel free to use any of your favorite pasta. Whether it be spaghetti style noodles, bowtie, etc.

Can I Make This Without Pasta

Absolutely. If you would prefer to have just the chicken go right ahead and leave the pasta out. I have done that in the past and it is super tasty as well.Serve it over rice or on a bun. You will love it however you serve it.

Sides To Pair With Your Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce of the chicken pasta. The buttery garlic flavor complements the Italian-inspired dish perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing is a refreshing and light accompaniment to the rich and creamy pasta.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh slices of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze make a vibrant and flavorful side salad that pairs beautifully with the chicken pasta.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide a healthy and colorful contrast to the indulgent pasta dish. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added flavor.
5. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter featuring an assortment of cured meats, marinated olives, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, and cheeses. This flavorful spread adds variety and texture to the meal.
6. Bruschetta: Serve classic tomato bruschetta on toasted baguette slices as a delightful appetizer or side dish. The fresh tomato, garlic, basil, and olive oil topping adds a burst of freshness to the meal.
7. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and garlic are a hearty and satisfying side dish that complements the creamy chicken pasta. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide a delightful contrast in texture.
8. Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a variety of colorful vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to the vegetables, making them a flavorful side dish.
9. Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad with sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing offers a light and refreshing option that pairs well with the rich flavors of the pasta dish.
10. Focaccia Bread: Soft and fluffy focaccia bread drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and sea salt is a delightful accompaniment to the creamy chicken pasta. Tear off pieces of bread to soak up the sauce.

These side dishes complement Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta beautifully, providing a variety of flavors, textures, and colors to elevate the dining experience.

Ingredients

• 2 Pnds Boneless Chicken Breast
• 16 ounce bottle of Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing*
• 4 Ounces Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 8 Ounce Block of Cream Cheese
• 16 Ounce Cooked Pasta of your choice

How To Make Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

• Add in 1/2 of your bottle of Italian dressing into your pot.

• Place your chicken breasts in next.

• Pour the remaining half of your Italian dressing over your chicken breasts.
• Lay your block of cream cheese over the top.

• Close your lid. Pressure cook (HIGH) for 15 minutes.
• When the cooking cycle ends, do a natural release for 15 minutes.
• Remove your lid. Remove your chicken from the pot and place it into a bowl so that it can be shredded. I like to use my handheld mixer for this but you can also use two forks to shred your meat.

• Turn your pot onto saute (LOW). Add the shredded chicken back in.
• Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stir to combine and allow all of the cheese to completely melt down.

• Add in your cooked pasta and stir to coat the pasta completely.

• Serve immediately and Enjoy!

How To Store Leftovers

You can store your chicken and pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Just place properly in an airtight container.

Then to reheat you can warm up in the microwave or opt to heat up on the stove or even the oven.

I have used the leftovers to meal prep for lunches for my kids and husband as they head out to work. But, you are more than welcome to save back and eat the next night for dinner.

Can You Double This Recipe

If you have a larger Instant Pot you can for sure double if you would like. You just need to make sure that you don’t go over the max fill line.

So if you have a larger Instant Pot you should have no issues doubling the recipe if you are feeding a larger crowd.

Add-Ins To This Olive Garden Chicken

If you are thinking of adding in other ingredients you sure can. Items like broccoli florets could be an awesome idea to stir in at the end. If you cook the entire time it will make your broccoli like mush.

So mix it in when you saute and then cook to your tenderness. You can also add in other vegetables like green beans, etc. Get creative and make dinner to satisfy yourself.

Can I make this in my crockpot

Yes, you sure can make this as a Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. To make this in your slow cooker. Follow the directions the same way but slow cook on HIGH for 4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

For another delicious Olive Garden copycat dish, try my Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Tips & Tricks

1. Cook Pasta Separately: Instead of cooking the pasta directly in the Instant Pot with the other ingredients, cook it separately on the stove according to package instructions. This helps to prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy.
2. Add Pasta Towards the End: Once the chicken and sauce are cooked in the Instant Pot, add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. This allows the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce without becoming overcooked.
3. Finish with Cheese: For that signature creamy Olive Garden flavor, finish the dish by stirring grated Parmesan cheese. This adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it irresistible.
4. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home!

FAQ’s for Making Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

1. What ingredients do I need to make Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta?
   • Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot for this recipe. However, be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken cooks through completely.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • While the recipe traditionally calls for penne pasta, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta you choose.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the Instant Pot?
   • Be sure to add enough liquid (chicken broth and heavy cream) to fully cover the pasta before pressure cooking. Also, avoid stirring the pasta before cooking, as this can cause it to clump together.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?
   • Yes, you can make adjustments to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. You can use dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese in place of Parmesan cheese.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   • Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Simply add them to the Instant Pot along with the other ingredients before pressure cooking.
6. How do I adjust the cooking time for different types of chicken?
   • The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts or thighs. For thicker cuts of chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
7. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
   • If the sauce is too thin after pressure cooking, you can thicken it by using the “Saute” function on the Instant Pot. Mix together a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.

These FAQs should help address common questions about making Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, ensuring a successful and delicious cooking experience!

• Olive Garden Salad
• Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing
• Crock Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Pastina

Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta is an insanely easy dinner recipe that practically cooks itself. Tender, juicy chicken that is creamy and savory.

Ingredients

• 2 Pnds Boneless Chicken Breast
• 16 ounce bottle of Olive Garden Signature Italian Dressing*
• 4 Ounces Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 8 Ounce Block of Cream Cheese
• 16 Ounce Cooked Pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Add in 1/2 of your bottle of Italian dressing into your pot.
2. Place your chicken breasts in next.
3. Pour the remaining half of your Italian dressing over your chicken breasts.
4. Lay your block of cream cheese over the top.
5. Close your lid. Pressure cook (HIGH) for 15 minutes.
6. When cooking cycle ends, do a natural release for 15 minutes.
7. Remove your lid. Remove your chicken from the pot and place into a bowl so that it can be shredded. I like to use my handheld mixer for this but you can also use two forks to shred your meat.
8. Turn your pot onto saute (LOW). Add the shredded chicken back in.
9. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stir to combine and allow all of the cheese to completely melt down.
10. Add in your cooked pasta and stir to coat the pasta completely.
11. Serve immediately and Enjoy!

Notes

*Some folks find the dressing taste to be a bit strong, you can reduce the dressing to 1 cup.

If you can’t find Olive Garden Italian dressing, you can use another brand of salad dressing, just be sure to get the “zesty Italian” for that same flavor we all love.Or better yet, check out my recipe to make a copycat version of Olive Garden Signature Italian dressing.

**To make this in your slow cooker. Follow the directions the same way but slow cook on HIGH for 4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 367Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 803mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 19g