If you are looking for a comforting yet effortless meal that will quickly become a family favorite, the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce with delicate angel hair pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s a perfect balance of rich, savory, and satisfying, all made easy by your crockpot. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend home cook wanting minimal fuss and maximum taste, this recipe promises cozy plates and happy hearts around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—no complicated ingredients, just classics that blend perfectly to deliver an unforgettable dish. Each component brings something vital, from the hearty chicken breasts to the creamy cheese and the flavorful Italian dressing mix, creating layers of taste and texture that will make you smile with every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): The tender protein base that will soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Garlic cloves (3, chopped or whole): Adds that aromatic punch that wakes up the sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): The secret to a velvety, comforting sauce texture.
- Chicken stock (¾ cup): Enhances the sauce with depth and savory notes.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Creates the irresistibly smooth, rich mouthfeel of the sauce.
- Butter (¼ cup, softened): Adds silkiness and a hint of indulgence.
- Italian dressing mix (0.6 ounces): Brings a burst of herb and spice flavor to brighten the dish.
- Angel hair pasta (1 pound): A delicate, quick-cooking pasta that captures all the creamy sauce perfectly.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Start by giving your slow cooker a gentle spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little step makes sure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze, setting the stage for an easy-cooking experience.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Garlic
Place the chicken breasts directly into the crockpot, arranging them comfortably. Toss in the garlic cloves, either chopped or whole, depending on how strong you want the garlic flavor to be in your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture. Then blend in the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken stock, stirring until everything is harmoniously combined. This sauce is the heart of the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate how deliciously simple it looks.
Step 4: Pour Sauce over Chicken
Carefully pour your creamy mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re generously coated. This slow infusion of flavor is what transforms the chicken into tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow approach lets the chicken soften beautifully while the sauce thickens, resulting in a rich and comforting meal with minimal effort.
Step 6: Optional Shredding
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, grab two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This step lets the creamy sauce cling to every tender strand of chicken, turning each bite into pure magic.
Step 7: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well so it’s ready to scoop up all that wonderful sauce as soon as the chicken is done.
Step 8: Serve it Up
Plate a generous bed of angel hair pasta and ladle the creamy chicken and sauce over the top. This is comfort food at its finest, radiant with warmth and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and taste of your Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil will add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, while a little cracked black pepper or shredded Parmesan cheese on top can bring subtle layers of flavor that are sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, refreshing sides that balance the richness. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These provide a lovely contrast in texture and add vibrant, nutritious elements to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little extra flair, try serving the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with the garnishes mentioned above. You can also add a side of warm garlic bread or a toasted baguette to help scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce, turning your meal into an experience that feels both elegant and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
This dish freezes well without losing its creaminess or flavor. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it up. Alternatively, using a microwave with short intervals and stirring in between works perfectly for quick meals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often come out even more tender and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs might cook a little faster.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Not at all. Shredding the chicken is optional but recommended because it helps the sauce cling to more surface area, making every bite extra creamy. However, you can also serve the chicken breasts whole if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives and ensure the cream of chicken soup and stock are dairy-free versions. Keep in mind, the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What kind of Italian dressing mix is best?
Choose a dry Italian dressing mix with a balanced blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Good Seasons is a popular choice, but any brand you enjoy will add that herby punch this recipe needs.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While angel hair pasta is perfect because of its delicate texture and quick cook time, feel free to swap it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just cook it according to package instructions and serve it hot under the creamy chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the ease and flavor of the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for busy days when you want comfort without the kitchen chaos. Give it a try — I promise you’ll fall in love with how effortless and satisfying this dish is, and it might just become your new favorite weeknight tradition.
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Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Sauce and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made from cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, butter, and Italian dressing mix. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it’s perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that tastes like a homemade creamy chicken pasta dish.
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 help with easy cleanup.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts and garlic cloves in the crockpot evenly.
- 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.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure they are fully covered by the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
- Optional Shredding: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is finished, shred the chicken breasts inside the crockpot using two forks to incorporate the meat into the sauce. Then continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Cook Pasta: Just before the chicken is done, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
- For an easier cleanup, spraying the crockpot before adding ingredients helps prevent sticking.
- The chicken can be shredded before cooking or halfway through for better sauce absorption and texture.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can cook the sauce a little longer with the lid off near the end of cooking.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Use fresh garlic or garlic powder based on preference, but fresh garlic provides more robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
