Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe. It turns simple chicken breasts into a luscious, creamy delight, perfectly paired with silky angel hair pasta. The creamy Italian sauce is rich without being heavy, boasting just the right balance of herbs and garlic, which makes every bite utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe is a total winner that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing together a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures without any fuss. From the richness of cream cheese and butter to the fresh zing of Italian herbs, these essentials ensure your dish is vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

• Olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken perfectly, sealing in juices and flavor.
• Chicken breasts: The tender main protein that soaks up all those creamy, savory flavors.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to season the chicken and build depth.
• Cream cheese (softened): Adds a velvety texture and slight tang.
• Butter (softened): Brings richness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle savory undertones to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic punch and classic Italian flavor.
• Italian dressing seasoning packet: A quick way to pack in herbs and spices, elevating the sauce effortlessly.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to luscious, spoonable perfection.
• Angel hair pasta: Fine, delicate strands that cradle the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Italian parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish as garnish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A savory sprinkle that takes the dish over the top.

How to Make Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. When your skillet is hot with olive oil, sear the chicken for just 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and creates a gorgeous golden crust. Remember, the chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, so don’t worry if the inside looks pink.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, butter, chicken broth, minced garlic, and the Italian dressing seasoning packet. This combination becomes the luscious base for the sauce, infusing it with savory, herby goodness and the perfect hint of creaminess.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place your seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the creamy mixture right over the top. This cozy bath of flavor will slowly seep into the chicken, making it tender and juicy while giving you time to relax or prep other parts of your meal.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The goal is to achieve an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked but incredibly moist chicken. The slow cooking melds all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Remove and Prepare to Thicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out and set aside on a warm plate. This keeps the chicken tender while you focus on turning that flavorful liquid into the luxurious sauce that will coat your pasta.

Step 6: Mix Heavy Cream and Cornstarch

In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will be used to thicken the cooking liquid, transforming it into a rich, creamy Italian sauce that makes this meal unforgettable.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the cream and cornstarch blend into the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Return the chicken breasts to the pot, cover, and let everything cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step creates a perfectly thickened sauce that clings to every strand of angel hair pasta.

Step 8: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

While the sauce thickens, boil your angel hair pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Angel hair cooks quickly, so keep an eye out and drain it well once tender. Its delicate texture pairs marvelously with the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Plate and Serve

Arrange the tender chicken breasts over a nest of angel hair pasta and spoon generous amounts of the creamy Italian sauce over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh Italian parsley and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for that final burst of flavor and color.

How to Serve Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh Italian parsley is the perfect way to add a pop of green and a touch of freshness that brightens the entire dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese lends a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing if you want.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side options like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness and slight bitterness of greens help balance the richness of the creamy chicken sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken sliced thinly over individual mounds of angel hair pasta on warm plates, drizzling the sauce artistically around the edges. Garnish with whole sprigs of parsley and Parmesan shavings for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe stashes well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and chicken together for the most convenient reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing. While texture might be a touch softer upon thawing, the flavors hold up very well.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce and maintain that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the proper temperature.

What can I substitute for the Italian dressing seasoning packet?

If you don’t have a seasoning packet, mix dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to create your own blend with similar flavor notes.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing isn’t required but highly recommended. It locks in moisture and adds a lovely golden color and subtle caramelized flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing, place the chicken and sauce mixture in a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F, then proceed with thickening the sauce on the stovetop.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from splitting?

Make sure to whisk the cornstarch and heavy cream mixture until smooth before adding to the hot liquid and cook on gentle heat while stirring. Avoid boiling vigorously once the cream is added.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta Recipe enough if you’re after that perfect comfort meal that’s both simple and spectacular. The marriage of creamy, herby sauce and tender chicken with delicate angel hair pasta is downright irresistible and sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, try this recipe soon and get ready for some seriously delicious dinner moments.

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