Ingredients:
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- 1 pound chicken tenders or breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (dry)
- 1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken tenders or breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing seasoning mix over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cream Cheese and Butter: Cut the block of cream cheese into cubes and place them on top of the chicken. Add the butter to the crockpot as well.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Spoon the cream of chicken soup over the other ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Mix the shredded chicken with the creamy sauce until well combined.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Combine: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy crockpot angel pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with your family and friends!
This creamy crockpot angel pasta is easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta combine to create a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta even more delightful:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken, cheese, and pasta. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and overall experience of the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the crockpot for added flavor, texture, and nutrition. You can add them along with the other ingredients to cook along with the chicken.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the dish generously with salt, pepper, and additional herbs and spices to taste. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes can add extra flavor to the dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more or less cream cheese and butter. For a thicker sauce, add extra cream cheese. For a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream cheese and butter.
- Enhance Flavor: Amp up the flavor of the dish by adding a splash of white wine, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar to the sauce. These ingredients add depth and brightness to the dish.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme over the pasta for a burst of freshness and color. The herbs add a finishing touch to the dish and complement the creamy sauce.
- Consider Pasta Variations: While angel hair pasta works well in this recipe, you can also try other pasta varieties such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well and complements the creamy texture of the dish.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to add variety to the dish. Try using a combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes by adding additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Serve your Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta with freshly baked garlic bread or garlic knots on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
By incorporating these tips, you can elevate the flavors and textures of your Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta and create a truly delightful and memorable dish for your family and friends to enjoy.
To achieve the perfect Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta, consider these secrets:
- Brown the Chicken: Before adding the chicken to the crockpot, consider browning it in a skillet. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the chicken, enhancing the overall dish.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely: Layer the ingredients in the crockpot strategically. Start with the chicken at the bottom, followed by the seasonings, liquids, and finally the cream cheese and butter. This ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Use Low Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing seasoning mix to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add salt to taste later if needed.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken tenders may cook faster than chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the ingredients in the crockpot a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time. This helps distribute the flavors evenly and ensures that all ingredients cook uniformly.
- Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the pasta. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so check it frequently towards the end of the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Thicken Sauce if Necessary: If the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can thicken it by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Add Fresh Ingredients at the End: If you’re using fresh herbs or vegetables, consider adding them towards the end of the cooking time to preserve their color, flavor, and texture.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pasta to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
By following these secrets, you can achieve the perfect Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta every time. Enjoy!
Here are some common inquiries that people may have:
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
- It’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for food safety reasons. However, if you prefer to use frozen chicken, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using milk, flour, and chicken broth.
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Just ensure that they are cooked through and tender before shredding them.
- How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the crockpot?
- To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, it’s important to cook it separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce without overcooking.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
- Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta ahead of time and freeze it for later use. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Can I double or halve the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients to double or halve the recipe according to your needs. Just be sure to use an appropriately sized crockpot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What can I serve with Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta?
- Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as garlic bread, steamed vegetables, salad, or a side of roasted potatoes.
These are just a few common questions that may arise when making Creamy Crockpot Angel Pasta. Feel free to adjust the recipe and customize it according to your preferences and dietary restrictions!