Slow Cooker Angel Chicken with Creamy Italian Sauce
A comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth. The chicken cooks low and slow until it easily shreds, then gets served over delicate angel hair pasta. This family-friendly meal requires minimal prep work - just mix the sauce ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner ready when you walk in the door.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 ½ ounce can chicken broth
- 1 package dry Italian dressing mix
- 10 oz angel hair pasta, cooked and drainedpenne or rotini1:1gluten-free available
holds sauce better
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker
- 2
Combine cream cheese, butter, cream of chicken soup, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix in a large bowl
- 3
Whisk or use electric hand mixer to blend sauce ingredients together
- 4
Pour mixture over the chicken
- 5
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours
- 6
Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions
- 7
Shred the chicken and serve over pasta
Tips
Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother sauce
Don't lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and cooking time
Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if needed when serving
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers
Prepare sauce mixture up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate
Serve immediately over hot pasta with optional fresh herbs
Common Mistakes
Don't skip softening cream cheese to avoid lumpy sauce
Don't overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
holds sauce better
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low setting. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Thin with reserved pasta cooking water or additional chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add liquid if needed.