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.
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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!
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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.
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Jessica
SO SIMPLE _ delicious 💕