Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and transforms basic chicken into a satisfying, hearty pasta dinner. The slow cooker makes the chicken perfectly tender, while the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. It’s a comforting classic with a creamy twist that’s ready to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream cheese
- Italian dressing mix (dry packet)
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Angel hair pasta
- Optional garnish: parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- In the slow cooker, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream cheese (cubed), chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, and butter.
- Add the chicken to the sauce mixture, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions just before serving.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours (on low)
Total time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Mushroom upgrade: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the sauce before serving.
- Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower instead of pasta.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
This dish is not ideal for freezing once the pasta is mixed in, as angel hair pasta may become mushy. For freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of angel hair?
Yes, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta type.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, it’s best to thaw chicken before placing it in the slow cooker.
Is the Italian dressing mix necessary?
Yes, it adds key flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with a homemade Italian seasoning blend if needed.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can use a homemade cream soup substitute made with butter, flour, broth, and milk.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours instead of 5–6 on low.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta separately and add it to the slow cooker just before serving.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
What sides go well with this dish?
A green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to serve any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy bowl of pasta, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
PrintEasy Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta
Easy Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender shredded chicken, a rich sauce, and delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 oz angel hair pasta
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian dressing mix, and butter.
- Add the chicken to the sauce mixture, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions just before serving.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a cheesier sauce.
- Use zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower for a low-carb version.
- Add frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking for more veggies.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Do not freeze with pasta mixed in, as it may turn mushy—freeze only the chicken and sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
