If you are searching for a comforting yet effortlessly elegant meal, the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is an absolute treasure you need in your kitchen repertoire. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce with the delicate texture of angel hair pasta, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe’s simplicity and deliciousness always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and richness, yet they all are surprisingly simple to find. From the creamy base to the subtle zest of Italian dressing mix, every component contributes to the magic that is Crockpot Angel Chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): The tender star of the dish that absorbs all the delightful flavors during slow cooking.
- Garlic cloves (3, chopped or left whole): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): The rich and velvety base that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Chicken stock (¾ cup): Enhances the savory profile and keeps the sauce light and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a luscious creaminess that melts into every bite.
- Butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds mouthwatering richness and helps create that silky sauce texture.
- Italian dressing mix (0.6 ounces): Infuses the dish with herbal and tangy notes that brighten the creamy backdrop.
- Angel hair pasta (1 pound): The delicate pasta that carries the creamy sauce and shredded chicken perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Begin by giving your crockpot a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the chicken and sauce don’t stick and makes the cleanup hassle-free.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Garlic
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Toss in the garlic cloves, either chopped for more intense flavor or whole for a milder, aromatic touch.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly blend in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock until the sauce is perfectly combined and creamy.
Step 4: Pour Sauce over Chicken
Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure every piece is well coated in that flavorful mixture.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking melts the chicken into tender perfection while intensifying the flavors in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Optional Shredding
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, you have the option to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. This step lets the chicken absorb even more of the delicious sauce and makes for easier mixing with the pasta.
Step 7: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Just as the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well—this thin pasta is the perfect base to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the warm, creamy chicken over a bed of the delicate angel hair pasta, letting the sauce drizzle over each portion for an indulgent, comforting meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a splash of vibrant green that elevates the visual appeal and freshness. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dash of black pepper also complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the main dish is rich and creamy, pairing it with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can be delightful for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls, layering the sauce first, then pasta, then shredded chicken on top. A few edible flowers or microgreens can turn this homey dish into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce separately from the cooked pasta to prevent sogginess. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat the pasta separately in hot water or the microwave to maintain its delicate texture, then combine before serving.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and bring a slightly richer flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to make sure they’re tender.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth that mimics the cream of chicken soup base, keeping the recipe wholesome and preservative-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, butter substitutes, and cream of chicken soup alternatives to make it suitable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing the creamy texture.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
You can create your own by combining dried herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a bit of sugar. This DIY mix will keep the flavor profile authentic and fresh.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely, just be sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume. Cooking times might be slightly longer, so check the chicken’s tenderness before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta Recipe comes together with so little effort but delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table.
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and 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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it offers an effortless dinner solution perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- 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 ensure easy cleanup.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts and garlic cloves directly into the crockpot.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth. Then whisk in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock until well combined to create a creamy sauce.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are completely coated.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Optional Shredding: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, shred the chicken breasts using two forks inside the crockpot, then continue cooking to let the shredded chicken soak up the sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and ladle the creamy chicken and sauce over the top for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a tender texture, but chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
- If cream cheese is too firm, soften it slightly in the microwave for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust Italian dressing mix quantity to taste if you prefer a more or less pronounced herby flavor.
- Ensure to spray the crockpot to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning during the long cooking time.
