I recently tried a delicious recipe called Angel Chicken Pasta, and it quickly became one of my favorites. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and the perfect amount of herbs and spices make for an incredibly flavorful dish. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection and serves as the perfect base for this heavenly chicken creation. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests with a delightful dinner, Angel Chicken Pasta is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- Chicken Breast: 3 – 3 1/2 pounds, boneless, skinless, trimmed
- Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 (10.5- ounce) cans
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (or white wine)
- Italian Seasoning: 2 (0.7- ounce) packages Italian dressing mix
- Cream Cheese with Chives: 8 ounces
- Angel Hair Pasta: 1 pound
- Butter: 1/2 cup
- Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon each
- Optional: Chives and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions for Making Angel Chicken Pasta
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Apply a layer of nonstick spray to an 11×15 baking pan and arrange the chicken breasts flatly in the pan. Add salt and pepper by sprinkling over the chicken, then leave it be for now.
- In a big pot, heat up the butter on medium flame. Mix in the Italian spices, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth (or wine) and warm the mixture up until it becomes very hot but not boiling.
- Incorporate the cream cheese into the mixture until it is fully melted and then take it off the heat.
- Place the blend over the chicken and cook in the oven for 45 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and the chicken is completely cooked.
- Once the chicken is nearly finished cooking, prepare the Angel Hair pasta as instructed on the package and remove any excess water after cooking.
- Cover the pasta with the chicken sauce and then dish it out.
- If you would like, you can choose to garnish it with chives and Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Perfecting Creamy Angel Chicken Pasta
Quality Ingredients
- Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Trim any excess fat for a cleaner taste.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Choose a good brand for a richer flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, consider cream of chicken soup as an alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese adds more flavor and creaminess. Let it come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother sauce.
Cooking Techniques
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little milk or broth. If it’s too runny, a bit more cream cheese can help thicken it.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook the angel hair pasta al dente as it will continue to absorb the sauce even after being drained.
Flavor Enhancements
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning brings out the flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a fresh dimension to the dish.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can add a nice salty, nutty flavor.
Presentation
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for color and freshness.
- Serving: Serve hot, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce for the best experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Preparation: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it overnight.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use low-fat cream cheese, low-sodium soup, and whole wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Prepare the pasta separately and combine before serving.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: The chicken and sauce freeze well. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when serving, as frozen pasta can become mushy.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They might require a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
A: Add a bit more cream cheese, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the sauce.
Q: Can I add other proteins to this dish?
A: Certainly! Shrimp or even sliced sausage can be great additions.
Angel Chicken Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Breast: 3 – 3 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless, trimmed
- Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 10.5- ounce cans
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup or white wine
- Italian Seasoning: 2 0.7- ounce packages Italian dressing mix
- Cream Cheese with Chives: 8 ounces
- Angel Hair Pasta: 1 pound
- Butter: 1/2 cup
- Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon each
- Optional: Chives and Parmesan cheese for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Apply a layer of nonstick spray to an 11×15 baking pan and arrange the chicken breasts flatly in the pan. Add salt and pepper by sprinkling over the chicken, then leave it be for now.
- In a big pot, heat up the butter on medium flame. Mix in the Italian spices, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth (or wine) and warm the mixture up until it becomes very hot but not boiling.
- Incorporate the cream cheese into the mixture until it is fully melted and then take it off the heat.
- Place the blend over the chicken and cook in the oven for 45 minutes, or until it becomes foamy and the chicken is completely cooked.
- Once the chicken is nearly finished cooking, prepare the Angel Hair pasta as instructed on the package and remove any excess water after cooking.
- Cover the pasta with the chicken sauce and then dish it out.
- If you would like, you can choose to garnish it with chives and Parmesan cheese.
