This Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken Pasta recipe is comfort food elevated to a new level of ease. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce, then tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, all made effortlessly in your crockpot. This is a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks itself. Second, the flavor is simply divine. The creamy sauce, infused with white wine, garlic, and Italian herbs, is rich and satisfying. The tender chicken adds a hearty element, while the angel hair pasta provides a light and delicate base.
Furthermore, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices. It’s also a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in the morning and let it simmer all day, or even make it the day before and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. This recipe is truly a lifesaver for busy families.
Finally, everyone loves pasta. Creamy Chicken Pasta is elevated by how simple it is to make and serve to your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (3-4 large chicken breasts)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 Tbs Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 10 oz angel hair pasta, cooked and drained
- chives (optional)
- red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Base. Add 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts to the bowl of a slow cooker or an Instant Pot with a slow cooker setting.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 2 Tbs butter, 1 (10 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup white wine (pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc), ½ cup chicken broth or water, 1 Tbs Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon granulated garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix together with a spatula or a hand mixer until fully combined and mostly smooth. Don’t worry if there are some lumps; that’s perfectly fine.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. If using an Instant Pot, use the slow cooker setting.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Combine. Once the cooking is done, take off the lid and, using a fork, tongs, or spatula, stir the sauce and break up the chicken into chunks. The chicken should be very tender and easily shredded.
Step 5: Serve Over Pasta. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the pasta. Garnish with red pepper flakes or minced chives, if desired.
Cooking Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a baguette would be perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
For a more substantial meal, you could add some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. These would add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. You could also serve it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple tomato salad.
Tips:
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish. Use high-quality chicken breasts, cream cheese, and white wine for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before cooking. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken broth or water.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken and sauce. Some good options include mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Use Different Types of Pasta: Angel hair pasta is a classic choice for this dish, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Make it a Freezer Meal: This recipe is great for meal prepping. After cooking, let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-7 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 50g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
This Creamy Crockpot Angel Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicate pasta make for a comforting and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make in the crockpot, making it a great option for busy weeknights. So, give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a family favorite!
Question and Answer Section
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for optimal cooking and flavor, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. However, keep in mind that the cooking time will need to be extended to ensure the chicken cooks through completely. Add an extra 2-3 hours to the cooking time on low, or 1-2 hours on high. Also, frozen chicken may release more water during cooking, which could thin out the sauce slightly.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cream soup instead of cream of mushroom?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can easily substitute it with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of broccoli soup. Each will impart a slightly different flavor to the sauce, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
Q3: I don’t drink alcohol. Can I omit the white wine?
A: Yes, you can definitely omit the white wine. It adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, but it’s not essential. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or water. You might also consider adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to brighten the flavor of the sauce.
Q4: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy when serving?
A: To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, it’s best to cook it separately and add it to the chicken and sauce just before serving. This way, the pasta will be perfectly al dente and won’t absorb too much of the sauce. If you’re making the dish ahead of time, you can cook the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and store it separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce and toss with the cooked pasta.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? If so, which ones would you recommend?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some vegetables that work particularly well include mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and zucchini. You can add them to the crockpot along with the chicken and sauce at the beginning of the cooking process. If you’re adding delicate vegetables like spinach or zucchini, it’s best to add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
