Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully simple and relies on pantry staples, making it an achievable dish any day of the week.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups Olive Garden Italian dressing (or your favorite Italian dressing)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute penne with any pasta you have on hand, and if you’re out of Italian dressing, a homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs works beautifully.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life.
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. It’s a method that reminds me of the gentle, patient cooking I learned from my abuela.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a rich, tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the chicken for that extra layer of flavor.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. During this time, I often find myself reminiscing about family gatherings where the aroma of cooking filled the house with anticipation.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. The slow cooking makes it incredibly easy to pull apart.
- Add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir until the cheeses are melted and form a creamy sauce. This step always reminds me of mixing ingredients with my grandmother, learning to let my senses guide me.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add it to the crockpot, mixing well to ensure every piece is enveloped in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, adding a vibrant finish to this comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International