Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot
Angel hair chicken pasta crockpot style is a light, garlicky chicken and tomato dinner finished with fine angel hair noodles. The chicken cooks low and slow in the sauce, and the pasta only needs a few minutes at the end.
6
servings15
minutes5
hoursChicken thighs cook in a garlic tomato sauce until they shred. Angel hair is stirred in at the very end so it stays delicate, and Parmesan and basil finish the pot.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine or extra broth
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz dry angel hair pasta, broken in half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Directions
- Stir the olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, wine, dried basil, oregano, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper together in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Nestle the chicken into the sauce and spoon some sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
- The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
- Pull the chicken out, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Turn the cooker to HIGH and add the broken angel hair, pushing it under the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender. Angel hair cooks very fast, so start checking at 8 minutes.
- Add a splash of hot water or broth if the pot looks dry.
- Stir in the Parmesan.
- Top with fresh basil and serve right away.
Notes
- Thighs stay juicier than breasts. For a lighter dish, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Cooked pasta can be added too, just stir it in at the very end. Leftovers keep 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Why angel hair works for this dinner
Angel hair is the thinnest pasta, which makes it the right choice for slow cooker pasta since it cooks in minutes. It does not need a pot of boiling water. The chicken cooks gently in the tomato sauce for hours, then the noodles simmer in that sauce for a short finish and soak up the flavor.
The result tastes like a classic chicken and garlic pasta, with a lighter, more delicate feel than heavier shapes. The sauce clings to every strand, and the shredded chicken gets coated in it.
It works well on a busy night, because the chicken needs no attention and the pasta is done before the table is set.
Ingredient notes
Chicken: Thighs stay moist if you need to hold the dish, and breasts shred cleanly. Either works, just do not overcook.
Crushed tomatoes: A good-quality can makes a smooth, sweet sauce. Look for no added sugar.
Garlic: Five cloves sounds like a lot, but the flavor mellows during the slow cook and gives the sauce its character.
White wine: A little adds acidity and depth. Skip it and add more broth if you do not use alcohol.
Angel hair: Broken in half, it fits the pot and is easier to stir. Choose a brand that holds up in hot liquid.
Olive oil: A tablespoon adds body and keeps the garlic from catching on the pot. Use a mild, fruity one.
Tips for tender noodles
Add pasta just before serving: The most common mistake is adding angel hair too early. It cooks in 8 to 10 minutes, and any longer turns it to a sticky mat. Keep it ready for the last stage only.
Keep the liquid up: If the sauce is thick, the pasta will stick. Add a splash of broth or water before it goes in.
Stir well: Fine noodles clump. Use tongs to separate them once they go into the sauce.
Season at the end: The tomatoes and Parmesan add salt. Taste before adding more, and add a squeeze of lemon if the sauce feels flat.
Swaps and variations
Add spinach or baby kale in the last 5 minutes for color. Sun-dried tomatoes give a richer, sweeter flavor, and a spoonful of cream cheese makes the sauce creamy. Replace the chicken with shrimp added for the last 10 minutes. Thin spaghetti works, but it needs 5 more minutes.
Do not use thick pasta such as rigatoni here without more liquid and time. It will stay hard in the middle.
A handful of capers or sliced olives adds a briny note, and a spoonful of pesto stirred in at the end gives a fresh herb lift.
What to serve with angel hair chicken
A simple arugula salad with lemon and shaved Parmesan is a bright partner for this pasta. Garlic bread helps mop up extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans make a good side vegetable. Set out extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for the table.
A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon is a good drink to pour with this light dinner.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftover pasta and chicken in a covered container for up to 3 days. Angel hair soaks up sauce, so it will look dry in the fridge.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth, stirring over medium-low heat until warm. Freezing is not ideal because the delicate noodles turn soft, but the chicken and sauce can be frozen for 3 months without pasta.
Do not reheat in the slow cooker, since the pasta will overcook. Use a pan on the stove for a gentle, even warm-up.
Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Ingredients: 15, led by boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine or extra broth
Tips for Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot
Thighs stay juicier than breasts. For a lighter dish, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Cooked pasta can be added too, just stir it in at the very end. Leftovers keep 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot FAQ
How long does Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot take?
Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot takes 5 hours of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What do I need to make Angel Hair Chicken Pasta Crockpot?
15 ingredients, led by boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine or extra broth. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
