If you are craving a comforting meal that effortlessly combines creamy flavors with tender chicken and delicate pasta, this Crockpot Angel Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy, slow-cooked chicken simmered in a luscious sauce made with cream cheese and Italian dressing spices, all served over perfectly al dente angel hair pasta. It’s an easy-to-make, soul-satisfying dish that feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding the family or indulging yourself, this recipe truly brings warmth and flavor to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken that make this dish so special. The ingredient list is straightforward, allowing the rich blend of textures and tastes to shine through effortlessly.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of the dish, slow-cooked until juicy and tender.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole: Adds a subtle aromatic punch that elevates the sauce.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Acts as a creamy base to the sauce, bringing depth and richness.
- ¾ cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor to the slow-cooked sauce.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives the sauce a velvety smooth texture and tangy creaminess.
- ¼ cup butter, softened: Enhances richness and smoothness in the sauce.
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix: The magical blend of herbs and spices that infuses the chicken with vibrant flavor.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: Delicately thin pasta that pairs perfectly with the richness of the sauce without overpowering it.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures that the chicken and sauce won’t stick to the sides during the long, slow cooking process, making cleanup easy and hassle-free.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, nestling in the garlic cloves. Whether you chop the garlic or leave the cloves whole is up to you, but either way, the garlic will infuse the chicken with its delicious aroma throughout cooking.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Then, mix in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock until everything is well combined into a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Pour Sauce over Chicken
Pour the freshly made sauce evenly over the chicken breasts inside the crockpot. This enveloping layer of sauce will slowly soak into the chicken, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, soaking up all the creamy goodness of the sauce.
Step 6: Optional Shredding
If you prefer shredded chicken, about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Let it continue cooking in the sauce to absorb even more flavor—this step is optional but highly recommended for extra-heartiness.
Step 7: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Just before the chicken finishes cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, usually within 2 to 3 minutes, so timing is key to ensure both components come together perfectly.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Drain the pasta and plate it, then spoon the tender chicken and velvety sauce generously over the top. The contrast between the thin strands of pasta and the creamy sauce makes every bite an absolute delight.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top before serving. A little grated Parmesan cheese also brings a salty, nutty kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with light side dishes such as a crisp garden salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans to balance out the rich creaminess of the chicken and pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and pasta in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation or pile the sauce-coated chicken on top of a nest of pasta for a rustic, family-style meal. Adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Angel Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well without losing its rich creaminess. Freeze leftover chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for best results in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Warm the pasta separately by briefly soaking it in hot water or microwaving it covered with a damp paper towel to avoid dryness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup to keep it creamy without dairy.
Can I prepare this recipe in an instant pot?
Absolutely! Use the slow cook function on your instant pot or switch to pressure cooking, but reduce cooking time if you opt for pressure cooking (about 12-15 minutes on high). Make sure to adjust liquid amounts accordingly.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Not at all. The shredded chicken version is optional and personal preference. You can serve whole chicken breasts with the sauce if you prefer a more classic presentation.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little extra chicken stock before or after cooking and stir to combine. The sauce can always be adjusted to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this heartwarming Crockpot Angel Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe that combines ease, flavor, and indulgence all in one pot. It’s the kind of meal that turns a busy day into a special occasion with minimal effort and maximum taste. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s become such a beloved recipe to share with family and friends—comfort food at its very best.
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Crockpot Angel Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy days when you want a warm, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and Garlic
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole
Sauce
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons)
Pasta
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken and Garlic: Place the 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the chopped or whole garlic cloves into the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then whisk in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock until the mixture is well combined and forms a smooth sauce.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Shred Chicken (Optional): About 30 minutes before the cooking time finishes, shred the chicken breasts using two forks to create a shredded texture. Stir the shredded chicken to mix well with the sauce and allow it to cook further for the remaining time.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is done, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the cooked angel hair pasta for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can shred the chicken for a more tender, pulled-chicken texture or leave it whole for sliced chicken breasts.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your flavor preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Use chicken stock or broth for richer flavor; water can be used in a pinch but will be less flavorful.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
