I love how this recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish. The chicken becomes so tender it practically falls apart, soaking up all the flavors of the garlic, herbs, and rich sauce. The angel hair pasta is the perfect light pairing for the heavier cream sauce, balancing everything beautifully. Best of all, I can prep it in minutes and let the slow cooker do the work while I go about my day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Proteins:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy:
cream cheese, softened
unsalted butter, softened
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
cream of chicken soup (canned)
chicken broth
dry Italian salad dressing mix
Produce & Seasonings:
garlic, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
chopped fresh parsley (optional)
cracked black pepper (optional)
Pantry:
vegetable oil
angel hair pasta
Directions
I start by heating a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of vegetable oil. While it heats, I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
I sear the chicken in the hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then set them aside. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
In a medium mixing bowl, I whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then I add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. I whisk until everything is fully combined.
I spray the inside of my slow cooker with non-stick spray and lay the seared chicken breasts at the bottom.
I pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, cover the slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Just before serving, I cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. After draining, I spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over the hot pasta.
I finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a twist of cracked pepper, and a bit of grated Parmesan if I want a little extra richness.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 3 hours 30 minutes (on low) Total time: 3 hours 45 minutes (225 minutes)
Variations
Low-sodium version: I use reduced-sodium soup and broth if I’m watching my salt intake.
Mushroom swap: Sometimes I swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a deeper flavor.
Add-ins: A handful of baby spinach stirred into the sauce near the end adds color and nutrition.
Protein option: I’ve used boneless thighs for a richer flavor and they work beautifully.
Pasta swap: I occasionally serve it over egg noodles or rice instead of angel hair pasta.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. If I’m planning to freeze it, I store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for best texture. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, but I prefer searing it because it locks in moisture and adds a richer flavor to the dish. It only takes a few extra minutes and is worth it.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker for safety reasons. I always thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking.
Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely. I’ve made this with homemade soup and it works perfectly—it just gives the dish a slightly fresher taste.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Angel hair is light and delicate, which balances the richness of the sauce. But I’ve also used spaghetti or linguine and they work well too.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, I’ve cooked it on high for about 2 hours when I’m in a pinch, but I prefer the low setting for more tender, flavorful chicken.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Angel Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can have a comforting, satisfying meal ready to go by dinnertime. Whether I’m feeding my family or hosting guests, it’s always a hit—and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic-herb sauce, served over angel hair pasta. This comforting classic is perfect for busy nights and guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
→ Proteins:
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Dairy:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
→ Wet Ingredients:
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 (0.7 oz) packet Good Seasons dry Italian salad dressing mix
→ Produce & Seasonings:
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Cracked pepper (optional, for garnish)
→ Pantry:
1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil
16 ounces angel hair pasta
Instructions
Sear Chicken:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Make Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk to combine.
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
Spray inside of a slow cooker with non-stick spray. Place seared chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare Pasta:
Shortly before serving, cook angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
Serve:
Spoon chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium soup and broth for a heart-healthier version.
Cooking time may vary by slow cooker brand.
Always check internal temp of chicken before serving.
Optional garnishes add visual appeal and flavor depth.
