If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, let me introduce you to the delightful Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. This heartwarming meal combines tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy Italian sauce served over delicate angel hair pasta — a simple yet indulgent dinner that’s perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. The ease of the crockpot paired with the richness of the sauce makes this recipe an absolute winner for anyone looking to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the creamy richness to the zesty kick, these essentials come together effortlessly in your crockpot.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped or left whole: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that complements the creamy sauce.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- ¾ cup chicken stock: Adds moisture and subtle savory notes to keep everything perfectly saucy.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Contributes a velvety texture and tangy creaminess that elevates the dish.
- ¼ cup butter, softened: Enhances richness and helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- 0.6 ounces Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons): The seasoning magic that infuses the sauce with herbaceous, zesty Italian flair.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: Delicate and quick-cooking, it’s the perfect bed for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Start by giving your crockpot a good spritz with nonstick cooking spray. This little step ensures that the chicken and sauce won’t stick to the sides as they slow-cook, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Garlic
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of the crockpot. Scatter the garlic cloves around them — whether chopped for more pungency or whole for a milder note, it will infuse the dish with wonderful aromatic warmth.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Italian Sauce
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Then, stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and Italian dressing mix until you have a perfectly combined creamy sauce that sings with flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over Chicken
Gently pour this luscious sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well-covered. This coating is what transforms the chicken into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooker magic tenderizes the chicken, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully over time.
Step 6: Optional Shredding for Extra Tenderness
About 30 minutes before your cooking time is up, feel free to shred the chicken breasts with two forks right in the crockpot. This helps the chicken soak up even more sauce, creating a luxurious texture that’s perfect for piling over pasta.
Step 7: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions — usually just a few minutes in boiling water. Drain it well, as it’ll be the silky base for your creamy chicken.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate by adding fresh chopped parsley or basil on top — it adds a pop of green and fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese also enhances the richness and adds a savory finish.
Side Dishes
This meal is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the subtle Italian flavors without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and sauce over little nests of angel hair pasta on individual plates, topped with a colorful medley of sautéed cherry tomatoes and olives. Alternatively, spoon this creamy chicken over polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting variation that is equally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The creamy Italian sauce and chicken will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, making for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the crockpot angel chicken with creamy Italian sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk if the sauce feels too thick after refrigeration to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can, but be sure to increase cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Cooking on low for about 8 to 9 hours should work well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives, and use a dairy-free cream soup if available. This will slightly change the texture but still deliver a lovely flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk the cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and Italian dressing mix together a day before and store it in the fridge. When ready, simply pour it over the chicken in the crockpot to start cooking.
How do I prevent the angel hair pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the angel hair pasta just until al dente and drain it immediately. Since it cooks quickly, keep a close eye on it. Tossing it lightly in olive oil after draining can also help keep the strands separated.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While angel hair is traditional for this recipe, feel free to use thin spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine depending on your pasta preferences and availability.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is genuinely one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with flavor, and always leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds. If you love dishes that combine creamy, savory goodness with tender chicken and delicate pasta, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Get cozy, fire up your crockpot, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce 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 slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it makes for an irresistible, easy weeknight meal that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.
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 make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts and garlic cloves directly into the bottom of 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 all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth sauce.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts and garlic inside the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Optional Shredding: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, optionally shred the chicken breasts using two forks, then stir to combine with the sauce and continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is finished cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well.
- Serve: Plate the tender chicken and creamy sauce over the cooked angel hair pasta, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can shred the chicken for a more uniform texture, or serve the breasts whole.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content if desired.
- The Italian dressing mix can be substituted with your favorite brand or homemade seasoning blend.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
