If you’re searching for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. This dish masterfully combines tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce with the delicate texture of angel hair pasta, resulting in a meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day, and the sauce? It’s decadently creamy with just the right balance of herbs and savory mushrooms that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is straightforward yet essential for creating those rich, cozy flavors. Each item plays a unique role, from adding creamy texture to enhancing aroma and color, making your dish come alive with every bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as the tender protein base, perfectly absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a velvety richness that forms the foundation of the sauce.
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix: Brings a wonderful blend of herbs and spices that elevate the flavor profile effortlessly.
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup: The secret to that creamy mushroom sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps to thin the sauce just enough while adding depth to the chicken’s flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth, giving it a dreamy texture.
- 1 pound angel hair pasta: The delicate pasta that’s perfect for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Laying them flat ensures they cook evenly and remain beautifully tender by the time everything is ready.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Next, melt your butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once the butter has melted, stir in the Italian dressing mix, condensed golden mushroom soup, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and velvety, which will ensure a sauce that’s rich and perfectly blended without any lumps.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour that heavenly sauce right over your chicken breasts in the crockpot. This is where all the magic happens, as the slow heat will gently infuse the chicken with deep, savory flavors while the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours. Patience is key here because this slow cooking process is what guarantees melt-in-your-mouth chicken, perfectly tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
About 10 minutes before the crockpot time finishes, cook your angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well so it’s ready to soak up all that creamy mushroom sauce.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Finally, plate your angel hair pasta and smother it generously with the tender chicken and that rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This final presentation is the essence of comfort food, promising each forkful is better than the last.
How to Serve Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil offer a vibrant pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich mushroom sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese takes it up a notch, adding a salty, nutty finish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this luscious dish with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy richness and adds a pleasant crunch. Roasted seasonal vegetables also make a wonderful, colorful accompaniment that keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and sauce over a bed of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that looks stunning on the plate. Or, present the pasta in individual shallow bowls with the sauce ladled carefully for a restaurant-quality feel right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Portion the chicken and sauce separated from the pasta in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring often, and add a bit of broth if the sauce seems too thick. The delicate angel hair pasta is best reheated quickly to avoid getting mushy, or consider cooking fresh pasta if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy through the slow cooking process. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure tenderness.
Is there a substitute for the Italian dressing mix?
If you don’t have a packet on hand, you can create your own blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic that delicious flavor boost.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
The cream cheese is key to the creamy texture, but you can substitute it with heavy cream or sour cream for a slightly different but still rich sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pasta with sauce?
Heat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking or drying out.
Can this be turned into a one-pot meal?
While the pasta is cooked separately here for best texture, you can add cooked pasta directly to the crockpot towards the end and stir gently to combine, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s both cozy and luxurious, this Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner in my book. The ease of the crockpot combined with the rich, creamy mushroom sauce makes mealtime effortless and unforgettable. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with this comforting favorite just like I did!
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Crockpot Angel Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Angel Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy Italian dressing and golden mushroom soup sauce. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this comforting meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, chicken broth, and cream cheese. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine & Cook: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is finishing, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Plate the cooked angel hair pasta and spoon the crockpot chicken and creamy sauce over the top. Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter.
- Adding steamed or roasted vegetables complements this dish well.
- Cook chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth.
