Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta
Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and luscious sauce, all served over delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for busy weekdays or special family gatherings, this dish offers incredible flavor with minimal preparation. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors while you go about your day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken. The ease of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other meals or family activities. Moreover, the dish is adaptable – feel free to add vegetables or spices to suit your family’s taste. In just a short cooking time, you’ll have a hearty meal that is both satisfying and scrumptious.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) halal-certified Italian dressing mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) halal-certified cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken before it absorbs the sauce.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth. This creamy sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated. This simple action is crucial for achieving a rich and flavorful dish.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with forks. The slow cooking process allows for a fusion of flavors and ensures that the chicken remains juicy.
Step 5: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This will create a perfect base for your creamy chicken sauce.
Step 6: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and stir it into the creamy sauce. This allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor from the sauce.
Step 7: To serve, plate the saucy chicken mixture over the angel hair pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Enjoy this comforting meal with family or friends!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker; however, cooking time may need to be extended by an hour or two depending on the thickness of the chicken.
How can I add vegetables to this dish?
You can add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli either during the last hour of cooking or toss them in the slow cooker at the same time as the sauce for best results.
What pasta can I substitute for angel hair?
If you don’t have angel hair pasta, you can substitute it with spaghetti or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Can leftovers be stored, and how long will they last?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk or broth for creaminess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, such as the soup and dressing, are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Slow Cooked Angel Chicken Pasta is a remarkable dish ideal for busy nights or for when you want to make something special without a lot of hassle. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you’ll create a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that can please the whole family. Whip this up for dinner; you’ll be amazed at how effortless and tasty it is!
