Check out our recipe for Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Pasta with chicken and broccoli (optional).
Quite some time ago, I made a recipe for chicken using Olive Garden Italian dressing and people just loved it! I served the chicken with pasta and green beans. I can’t tell you how many times I was asked the question “how do I cook the pasta with the chicken at the same time?” So, I finally decided to make a new recipe that does just that! This recipe combines Olive Garden Salad Dressing (which can be found in the salad dressing aisle of your grocery store) with chicken, pasta, and cheese to create a creamy delicious one-pot chicken and pasta meal with a great-tasting sauce that you are sure to love!
Check out the recipe for Olive Garden Chicken!
Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing was used in this recipe. I wanted to keep it simple and as close to my recipe for Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Chicken as possible so I didn’t add in a bunch of other ingredients. I did add some broccoli to a small portion at the very end and really liked how it turned out! You could even add in sundried tomatoes or spinach. I’ve included instructions for adding veggies in the recipe card.
If you like an extra sauce pasta with a stronger Italian dressing flavor, add in about ½ cup Olive Garden dressing at the end when you are adding in the cheeses.
Tips for making Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Pasta
Yes! And you can even use frozen chicken for this recipe. Here’s the catch- you still need to cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, regardless of whether it is frozen or not. I would recommend cutting the chicken up before freezing it or buying pre-cut cubed chicken if you are planning on using frozen chicken. The frozen chicken cubes will basically thaw out while you are sautéing it. DO NOT use whole chicken breasts for this recipe as the pasta will cook much quicker than the chicken.
Yes! You sure can! Since Italian dressing is a thin liquid, it holds up pretty well, even after being pressure cooked. Thicker dressings, like ranch or thousand island, should usually be added after releasing the pressure since they are thicker and creamier.
If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them the next day…and they turn out amazing! Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator andwhen you are ready to eat, put the leftover pasta in a microwave safe dish and add a little bit of water. Microwave until warm and stir! The key to reheating pasta is adding a little water. If you skip this step, the pasta and the sauce will be much drier than it was when it was initially prepared. A tablespoon or 2 of water should do the trick.
What if I want to cook a different type of pasta in the Ninja Foodi?
No problem! Simply use this calculation for al dente pasta: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
If you prefer your pasta cooked a little more: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 1. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 1. 5-1=4. Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
If you prefer your pasta completely cooked and tender: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Pressure cook for 5 minutes.
It depends on how much longer you cook the chicken. If you find that your chicken is almost a rubbery texture, then it could use a few more minutes of cooking, up to about 20 minutes for full boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. For smaller chunks like we are using in this recipe, I would recommend cooking it for 5-6 minutes max. With the pressure cooker function, things cook very quickly. So, I wouldn’t recommend pressure cooking chicken for an extensive amount of time or it will dry out.
Ingredient substitutions and tips for making Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Pasta
The full ingredient list is found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Olive Oil- You only need a little Olive Oil fo this recipe to sear the chicken, but you don’t want the chicken to stick to the bottom of the Ninja Foodi pot. Any type of high heat oil can be used.
Chicken Breasts- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cut into 1-inch cubes are used for this recipe. Chicken thighs can also be used, but make sure they are boneless and skinless and also cut into 1-inch cubes.
Chicken Broth- Water can be used, but the chicken broth adds extra flavor. For a lower sodium option, you can use low sodium chicken broth instead.
Salad Dressing- I used Olive Garden Italian dressing for this recipe. I prefer that specific brand over others for this recipe because it has a distinct flavor in comparison to others. The flavor seems to be a bit milder, it is less oily and combines really well with the cheeses. You can experiment with other brands, but the outcome may be slightly different.
Pasta- I used penne pasta but you can use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. I would recommend using short pasta instead of long pasta like spaghetti. If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
Cream Cheese- Regualr or low fat can be used.
Parmesan Cheese- You will need shredded and grated Parmesan Cheese for this recipe. Romano or Asiago cheese (or a combination) can be used instead.
Salt and Black Pepper– Use to taste. If desired, both can be omitted.
Optional add-ins:
Broccoli
Fresh Basil
Parsley
Roasted Red Peppers
Fresh Spinach
Garlic
Red Pepper Flakes
Directions for making Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Pasta:
1. Turn Ninja Foodi on saute, high for 15 minutes.
2. Pour in Olive Oil.
3. Once the Olive Oil is hot, pour in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Saute chicken until lightly browned on all sides. Use a silicone spoon to stir the chicken around so that it browns on all sides.
4. Once the chicken is lightly browned, pour in the Olive Garden dressing and chicken broth. Stir and lightly scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned chicken bits.
5. Add the pasta on top. DO NOT STIR PASTA! Simply just push all of the pasta down, so most of it is covered by the liquid.
6. Close pressure cooking lid, and move valve to the seal position. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes.
*If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
7. Once the timer beeps and the Ninja Foodi is finished pressure cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 3-4 minutes, and then move the valve to the vent position and release the remaining pressure. If a lot of liquid starts to come out of the Ninja Foodi, close the vent, wait another 3-4 minutes and then try to release the pressure again. Continue to do this until all pressure has been released.
If you are not adding in any vegetables:
Stir chicken and pasta together. Don’t worry if all of the pasta isn’t cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Add the cream cheese and the grated and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Serve and enjoy!
If you are adding in spinach, basil, broccoli, red peppers, or any other vegetables:
If you are adding in spinach, basil, broccoli, red peppers, or any other vegetables: Stir chicken and pasta together. Don’t worry if all of the pasta isn’t cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Turn the Ninja Foodi on saute, add the veggies, stir for a minute or two and then turn the Ninja Foodi OFF and close the lid for a minute or two to finish cooking the veggies. Open the lid and add the cream cheese and the grated and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Serve and enjoy!
Pin the recipe on Pinterest for later!!
Recipe
Ninja Foodi Olive Garden Pasta
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin RecipeEquipment
- Silverware
- Serving Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Chicken Breasts (Boneless; Skinless chicken breasts cut into one inch cubes)
- 3 ½ Cups Chicken Broth (Low Sodium)
- 8 Ounces Olive Garden Italian Dressing
- 16 Ounces Pasta (I used Penne, but any short pasta may be used.)
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (Shredded)
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
Optional
- Broccoli (Chopped)
- Fresh Basil
- Parsley (To garnish)
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Fresh Spinach
- Garlic
- Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Turn Ninja Foodi on saute, high for 15 minutes.
- Pour in Olive Oil.
- Once the Olive Oil is hot, pour in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Saute chicken until lightly browned on all sides. Use a silicone spoon to stir the chicken around so that it browns on all sides.
- Once the chicken is lightly browned, pour in the Olive Garden dressing and chicken broth. Stir and lightly scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned chicken bits.
- Add the pasta on top. DO NOT STIR PASTA! Simply just push all of the pasta down, so most of it is covered by the liquid.
- Close pressure cooking lid, and move valve to the seal position. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. *If you are using a different shape of pasta, follow these instructions to determine the proper pressure cooking time: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
- Once the timer beeps and the Ninja Foodi is finished pressure cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 3-4 minutes, and then move the valve to the vent position and release the remaining pressure. If a lot of liquid starts to come out of the Ninja Foodi, close the vent, wait another 3-4 minutes and then try to release the pressure again. Continue to do this until all pressure has been released.
If you are not adding in any vegetables:
- Stir chicken and pasta together. Don't worry if all of the pasta isn't cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Add the cream cheese and the grated and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve with breadsticks and enjoy!
If you are adding in spinach, basil, broccoli, red peppers, or any other vegetables:
- If you are adding in spinach, basil, broccoli, red peppers, or any other vegetables: Stir chicken and pasta together. Don't worry if all of the pasta isn't cooked all the way. It will continue to cook as you add the additional ingredients. Turn the Ninja Foodi on saute, add the veggies, stir for a minute or two and then turn the Ninja Foodi OFF and close the lid for a minute or two to finish cooking the veggies. Open the lid and add the cream cheese and the grated and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve with breadsticks and enjoy!
Notes
What if I want to cook a different type of pasta in the Ninja Foodi? No problem! Simply use this calculation for al dente pasta: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 2. 5-2=3. Pressure cook for 3 minutes. If you prefer your pasta cooked a little more: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2 and then subtract 1. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Subtract 1. 5-1=4. Pressure cook for 4 minutes. If you prefer your pasta completely cooked and tender: Take the recommended cooking time that is on the box of pasta and divide by 2. Pressure cook for that many minutes. For example, if the box recommends 10 minutes of cook time, divide 10 by 2=5. Pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
Leave a comment and rate this recipe!
Keep scrolling to see my newest recipes!
-
How to Clean the Ninja Creami Spindle
Cleaning the spindle on your Ninja Creami is simpler than most people expect. Most of it takes care of itself. You only need to clean the inch that sticks out at the bottom. Here’s what you actually need to clean and how to do it. Does the Ninja Creami spindle need to be cleaned? Only the very tip does. Most of the spindle is self-cleaning, and you do not need to touch it. The only part that needs to be cleaned after each use is the small metal tip at the bottom, the inch that sticks out and makes contact […]
-
Ninja Creami Low Calorie Chocolate Frozen Yogurt
This Ninja Creami low-calorie chocolate frozen yogurt is rich, creamy, and tastes like a real chocolate dessert. With just 4 simple ingredients, it comes together so easily and satisfies any chocolate craving without making you feel like you’re missing out. This recipe comes in at 257 calories, 30 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar, 5 grams of fat, 88 carbs, and 24 net carbs (total carbs minus allulose carbs) for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Low Calorie Chocolate Frozen Yogurt Looking for more Ninja Creami Low Calorie Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for […]
-
Strawberry Ninja Creami Recipes
I have three cheesecake versions in this roundup, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream, and Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream, and they all land in a different place even though they start from the same idea. Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Protein Ice Cream is the one that goes savory, which isn’t something I do often, but it works. Jump to: Top Tips Ninja Creami Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Low Calorie Strawberry Whip Ninja Creami Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Ninja Creami Strawberry Coco-Nut […]
-
How to Add Big Flavor Without Extra Sugar to Ninja Creami Ice Cream
If you want big flavor in your Ninja Creami ice cream without adding a lot of sugar or calories, skinny syrups are one of the easiest ways to do it. They mix right into your base before freezing and give you tons of flavor options without adding sugar. What are skinny syrups? Skinny syrups are flavored syrups that have zero calories and zero sugar. They get their sweetness from sugar substitutes instead of regular sugar, which means you get the flavor and sweetness without the calories or the sugar content. They were originally designed to flavor coffee and drinks, but […]
-
Ninja Creami Watermelon Basil Frosé
Frosé season is here, and this Ninja Creami watermelon basil frosé is the only recipe you need. Just 3 ingredients (fresh watermelon, rosé, and basil) come together to make the perfect wine slushy. It’s refreshing, easy, and tastes like summer in a glass. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Watermelon Basil Frosé Looking for more Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making the Ice Cream Mixture Directions for Processing the Ice Cream Mixture Save for Later on Pinterest! Recipe Comments Frosé has been so trendy the past few years, and for good reason. It’s […]
-
Chocolate Ninja Creami Recipes For Ice Cream, Protein, and More
Chocolate is one of my favorite flavors to work with in the Ninja Creami, since it holds up well no matter what direction you take it, whether that’s a rich protein base, a low-calorie sorbet, or something built around pudding instead of custard. It never gets old finding a new way to make it work Jump to: Top Tips Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Ninja Creami Chocolate Lovers Ice Cream Ninja Creami Chocolate Sorbet-Low Calorie Ninja Creami Jamoca Almond Fudge Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream Ninja Creami Frozen Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Ninja […]
-
Use Magic Shell Instead of Chocolate Chips as a Ninja Creami Mix-In
If you’ve been adding chocolate chips to your Ninja Creami ice cream as a mix-in and ending up with little frozen rocks in your ice cream, there’s a better way. Magic Shell is the easiest way to get little chocolate bits throughout your ice cream…without hurting your teeth. Here’s why it works so much better and how to use it. Why are chocolate chips a problem in Ninja Creami ice cream? Chocolate chips freeze hard. Really hard. When you add them to the ice cream, they turn into hard little solid chunks that are really hard to chew. In frozen […]
-
Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
If you love lemon desserts, you’re going to love this Ninja Creami lemon ice cream. It’s bright, refreshing, and has the most perfect balance of sweet and tart from real lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon extract. This is the kind of ice cream that’s perfect for a hot summer day…or any day! Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making the Ice Cream Mixture Directions for Processing the Ice Cream Mixture Save for Later on Pinterest! Recipe Comments Lemon ice cream is […]
-
Ninja Creami Recipes With 3 Ingredients or Less
I like keeping a few Ninja Creami recipes in my back pocket that don’t need a long grocery list, and this collection is exactly that. Sometimes the simplest base ends up being the one I make the most. Jump to: Top Tips Ninja Creami Pineapple Sorbet Ninja Creami Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Ninja Creami Italian Ice Ninja Creami Peaches and Cream Ice Cream Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt Ninja Creami Banana Chocolate Chip Lite Ice Cream Ninja Creami Peach Sorbet Ninja Creami Mango Sorbet Ninja Creami Watermelon Sorbet Comments Four of the nine recipes here are straightforward fruit sorbets, including Pineapple Sorbet, […]
-
Is It Normal for the Ninja Creami Paddle to Feel Wobbly?
If the paddle in your Ninja Creami processing lid feels a little loose or wobbly, you’re probably wondering if something is wrong. Nothing is wrong. Here’s why it’s like that and how to know your paddle is actually installed correctly. Is it normal for the Ninja Creami paddle to feel wobbly? Yes. A loose or wobbly paddle is completely normal on all Ninja Creami machines. It is designed that way. It will not affect how your ice cream processes and there is nothing wrong with your machine. Why Is the Paddle Loose? The Creamerizer paddle needs a small amount of […]
-
Ninja Creami Black Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
If you love the combination of cherries and chocolate, you have to make this Ninja Creami black cherry chocolate chunk ice cream. It has real fresh cherry flavor, chunks of dark chocolate in every bite, and the most amazing creamy texture. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Black Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making the Ice Cream Mixture Directions for Processing the Ice Cream Mixture Save for Later on Pinterest! Recipe Comments Cherries and chocolate are one of those classic flavor combinations that just works. […]
-
Can You Use Generic or Knock-Off Ninja Creami Containers?
This question comes up constantly in the Ninja Creami community. Can you use generic or knock-off containers? Here’s the honest answer, along with what I found when I actually measured them myself and where to find the real ones. Can you use generic or knock-off Ninja Creami containers? Technically, yes. Generic containers CAN work. But they can also cause the containers to get scratched, or cause the machine to malfunction. And using non-Ninja approved accessories can void your warranty. So yes, you can use knock-offs. But at your own risk. Many people swear that their Temu or Amazon third-party containers […]
-
Ninja Creami Strawberry Basil Goat Cheese Protein Ice Cream
If you’re looking for something a little different from your typical strawberry ice cream, you have to try this Ninja Creami strawberry basil goat cheese protein ice cream. It’s light, refreshing, and the goat cheese gives it this amazing tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh basil and sweet strawberries. Trust me, the goat cheese is what makes this one really special. This recipe comes in at 284 calories, 36 grams of protein, 8 grams of sugar, 9 grams of fat, and 18 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Strawberry Basil Goat […]
-
Can You Use Ice in the Ninja Creami?
One of the most important rules for keeping your Ninja Creami safe is this: no ice. That means no ice cubes, no crushed ice, and no pure frozen water. Here’s what that actually means, what counts as ice, and why water as part of a recipe is a completely different thing. Can you use ice in the Ninja Creami? No. You cannot put ice cubes or crushed ice into the Ninja Creami container. Pure water frozen alone is essentially ice and has the same problem. The machine is not designed to process ice and doing so can damage the paddle […]
-
Ninja Creami Strawberry Coco-Nut Protein Ice Cream
If you love the combination of strawberry, coconut, and chocolate, you have to give this Ninja Creami strawberry coco-nut protein ice cream a try. It’s creamy, packed with real strawberry flavor, and the toasted coconut goes surprisingly well with chocolate chips and walnuts. This recipe comes in at 374 calories, 36 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar, 19 grams of fat, and 19 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Strawberry Coco-Nut Protein Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making the Ice Cream […]
-
Is It Normal for the Ninja Creami Spindle to Stick Out?
If you look at your Ninja Creami and notice the spindle poking out of the bottom of the machine, you might wonder if something is wrong. Nothing is wrong. Here’s why it looks like that and what to expect. Is it normal for the Ninja Creami spindle to stick out? Yes. The spindle sticking out of the bottom of the machine when it is off is completely normal and exactly how it is supposed to look. It sticks out about an inch when the machine is not in use. It should not go all the way back up into the […]
-
Ninja Creami Super Strawberry Protein Ice Cream
If you love strawberry ice cream, this Ninja Creami super strawberry protein ice cream is going to blow your mind. It has fresh strawberry flavor from FOUR different ingredients, a creamy texture, and a really bright pink color. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. This recipe comes in at 215 calories, 35 grams of protein, 6 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fat, and 12 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Super Strawberry Protein Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions Directions for Making […]
-
How to Get Rid of Ice on the Outside of Ninja Creami Ice Cream
Sometimes a layer of ice forms around the inside walls of the Ninja Creami container during freezing, sitting between the outer edge of the frozen base and the container. If that ice gets mixed into the ice cream when you process it, it can affect the texture and make it icier than it should be. Here’s how to fix it so that the ice cream is creamy instead of icy. Why does ice form around the outside of the frozen base? When the base freezes, moisture from condensation or from the base itself can collect between the frozen mixture and […]
-
Ninja Creami Taffy Apple Protein Ice Cream
Taffy apples are one of my favorite fall treats, and this Ninja Creami taffy apple protein ice cream tastes just like one. You get that sweet caramel flavor, real green apple, and chopped peanuts in every bite. It’s creamy, sweet, a little tart, and so much fun to eat. This recipe comes in at 293 calories, 33 grams of protein, 17 grams of sugar, 8 grams of fat, and 26 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Taffy Apple Protein Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes? Ingredient tips and substitutions […]
-
When to Use Re-Spin vs. Processing on Ice Cream Again in Ninja Creami
Re-Spin and the Ice Cream function on the Ninja Creami are not interchangeable. Using the wrong one at the wrong time will not give you the result you’re looking for and can even damage your machine. Here’s exactly when to use each one. What is the difference between Re-Spin and processing on Ice Cream? Ice Cream (and other processing functions) are designed to process a frozen solid base. Re-Spin is designed to further smooth a base that has just been processed, but came out with a texture that isn’t quite right. They are two different functions for two different situations. […]
-
Ninja Creami Caramel Cookie Supreme Protein Ice Cream
Caramel ice cream loaded with chunks of sugar cookie dough and pieces of Werther’s Original candies? Yes please!!! This Ninja Creami caramel cookie supreme protein ice cream is creamy, sweet, and tastes like a no-bake sugar cookie wrapped up in caramel ice cream with 30 grams of protein in the ENTIRE pint. This recipe comes in at 308 calories, 30 grams of protein, 7.5 grams of sugar, 7 grams of fat, and 31 carbs for the ENTIRE pint. Jump to: Tips for making Ninja Creami Caramel Cookie Supreme Protein Ice Cream Looking for more Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes? […]
Jessica says
SO SIMPLE _ delicious 💕