Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This will make cleanup significantly easier later on.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Pour the entire bottle of Olive Garden Italian Dressing over the top, ensuring all the chicken is covered. Finally, place the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken and dressing.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your slow cooker. Avoid the temptation to lift the lid while it’s cooking, as this releases heat and can increase the cooking time.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Create the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly inside the Crockpot. You can also remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred it, and then return it to the slow cooker, but doing it in the pot saves you a dish. With the chicken shredded, stir everything together vigorously. The softened cream cheese will melt into the dressing and chicken broth, creating a beautiful, creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking or after it’s done, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb a little bit of liquid from the hot sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, but do not rinse it.

Step 6: Combine and Finish
Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce in the Crockpot until it has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the drained, hot pasta to the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the glorious, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Let the pasta sit in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.