Description: A delightfully simple and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy Italian-infused sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This recipe utilizes the convenience of a slow cooker to create a rich and satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6-8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons or store brand)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot (slow cooker). Ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking. This is crucial for consistent results. Using even sizes of chicken breasts helps ensure they will all cook through at the same rate. You can lightly pound thicker pieces to an even thickness if necessary.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Italian Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and come to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to brown the butter, as this can alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, add the entire packet of Italian dressing mix to the saucepan. Stir continuously to incorporate the dressing mix into the melted butter. This step is important as it allows the herbs and spices in the dressing mix to bloom and release their full aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Add Soup, Broth and Cream Cheese
Next, add the can of condensed golden mushroom soup and the 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The golden mushroom soup provides a rich, savory base for the sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the mixture until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This step is important for achieving the desired texture of the sauce. Make sure the cream cheese is softened beforehand for easier melting. Small lumps will eventually melt, but softened cream cheese is ideal. The result should be velvety and pourable.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Carefully pour the creamy Italian sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended for accurate doneness. Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
Step 8: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Al dente is the preferred texture for this dish.
Step 9: Shred (or Cube) the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken into cubes. Return the shredded or cubed chicken to the crockpot with the sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 10: Serve
Drain the cooked angel hair pasta and divide it among individual serving plates. Spoon the creamy Italian chicken and sauce over the pasta. Serve immediately.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and time to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply dump the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do its magic.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of Italian dressing mix, golden mushroom soup, and cream cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Versatility: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are appealing to both kids and adults.
- Convenience: Using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time to focus on other things.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to the plate.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If you don’t have golden mushroom soup, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out.
- To make this recipe even easier, use pre-cooked chicken breasts. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the crockpot with the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
- You can add vegetables like sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the crockpot along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours (on low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 50-60g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies depending on ingredients used)
Conclusion:
Crockpot Creamy Italian Angel Chicken is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different vegetables, spices, and seasonings. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: While it is generally recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for optimal cooking and safety in a slow cooker, you can use frozen chicken breasts if absolutely necessary. However, you’ll need to extend the cooking time by at least 2-3 hours, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Always check the temperature with a meat thermometer to be certain the chicken is cooked through. Be aware that using frozen chicken may result in a slightly different texture. The chicken will release more water as it thaws, which could dilute the sauce a bit. Consider draining some of the excess liquid before shredding the chicken.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe? What are some good choices?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some excellent choices include: sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers (any color), diced onions, minced garlic, spinach (add in the last 30 minutes of cooking), sliced zucchini, or diced carrots. Simply add your chosen vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken and sauce.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce according to the instructions, then allow it to cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the angel hair pasta separately just before serving. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, then serve over the cooked pasta.
Q4: What if I don’t have angel hair pasta? What are some other pasta alternatives?
A: If you don’t have angel hair pasta, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta. Some good alternatives include: spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne or rotini. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and serve with the chicken and sauce.
Q5: The sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If the sauce is too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth. Start with 1/4 cup of chicken broth and stir well. Continue adding broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream for a richer flavor.
