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This creamy and flavorful chicken slow-cooked to perfection is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without much fuss. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, it offers a wonderful balance of rich sauce and tender chicken that everyone will love.
I first made this during a hectic week and was amazed how the slow cooker turned basic ingredients into something that tasted like a special occasion dinner. Now it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something cozy and impressive without the stress.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: for searing chicken and building flavor; choose a neutral oil like canola or sunflower
- Salt and pepper: basic seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural taste
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the star protein, look for firm, pink flesh without any odor
- Cream cheese: softened for easy blending, it makes the sauce creamy and rich
- Unsalted butter: adds a smooth, buttery richness; softened for easy mixing
- Cream of chicken soup: provides depth and body to the sauce; select low sodium if watching salt intake
- Minced garlic: fresh for the best punch and aroma
- Chicken broth: brings moisture and chicken flavor, opt for low sodium if preferred
- Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix: gives a zesty herb boost, but you can use your favorite Italian seasoning blend if needed
- Angel hair pasta: cooks quickly and is light enough to cradle the creamy sauce
- Optional chopped parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish that adds freshness and a little extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to make the oil shimmer. Add the vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Whisk together vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without lumps. Add the cream of chicken soup to the bowl, then stir in the minced garlic, chicken broth, and the entire packet of Good Seasons Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until you have a uniform sauce.
- Assemble in the Crock Pot:
- Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom in a single layer. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Slow Cook to Tenderness:
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it is safely cooked and perfectly tender.
- Cook the Pasta:
- About 10 to 15 minutes before serving, prepare the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and keep warm.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Plate a portion of angel hair pasta and gently place a piece of the slow-cooked chicken over it. Spoon the rich sauce over both the chicken and pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, cracked pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese if you like for an extra burst of flavor and color.
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Storage tips
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The pasta is best stored separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Greek yogurt can replace some of the cream cheese to lighten the sauce while still maintaining creaminess. For a homemade twist, use your favorite blend of dried Italian herbs instead of the salad dressing mix.
Serving suggestions
Serve this chicken dish alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and color to the plate. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs well to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine complements the mild richness beautifully.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I prepare this without a crock pot?
Yes, slow cooking in a covered oven-safe dish at low heat can achieve similar tenderness, but timing may vary.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy?
Cook the angel hair pasta al dente and drain thoroughly before serving to keep texture firm under the sauce.
- → What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Homemade white sauce with chicken broth, cream cheese, and seasonings provides a fresh alternative without preservatives.
- → Is it important to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing adds a golden crust and enhances flavor, but it’s optional if short on time; the chicken will still cook through.
- → Can this dish be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, flavors often deepen after resting. Reheat gently to retain creamy texture without drying out the chicken.