Angel Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food dish that blends tender chicken breasts with a creamy, savory sauce made from white wine, golden mushroom soup, and cream cheese. Served over delicate angel hair pasta, this dish is an ideal weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, this Angel Chicken Pasta recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, enhanced by the subtle richness of white wine. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 package (0.7 oz) dry Italian salad dressing mix
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed golden mushroom soup
- 4 oz cream cheese with chives
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the Italian salad dressing mix, white wine, mushroom soup, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the chicken, covering evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and serve over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Key Features of Angel Chicken Pasta:
- Creamy and Savory Sauce: The sauce is made with a combination of white wine, golden mushroom soup, and cream cheese, creating a smooth and luxurious texture. The white wine adds depth and richness, while the cream cheese brings a velvety finish that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. After browning the chicken, the sauce ingredients are mixed and poured over the chicken, then baked to tender perfection. It’s a one-dish meal that’s both simple and delicious.
- Perfect for Angel Hair Pasta: Angel hair pasta is an ideal choice for this recipe because its delicate texture pairs well with the creamy sauce. The pasta soaks up the sauce, making each bite rich and flavorful.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap out the white wine for chicken broth if you’re cooking without alcohol.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, Angel Chicken Pasta is always a hit. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Origin of Angel Chicken Pasta
Angel Chicken Pasta is an Italian-American dish that draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Italy, where pasta and wine-based sauces are integral parts of the cuisine. While this particular recipe may not be an authentic Italian classic, it fuses Italian flavors with American comfort food traditions. The use of angel hair pasta, known as capellini in Italian, is a nod to Italy’s love for delicate pasta shapes, which pair beautifully with light yet flavorful sauces. Creamy chicken pasta dishes like this one became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, as home cooks looked for ways to create hearty and comforting meals with simple ingredients.
Cooking Tips for Angel Chicken Pasta
- Searing the Chicken: Make sure to brown the chicken breasts well in the skillet before baking them. This step locks in the juices and adds a rich, golden flavor that enhances the final dish. If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, consider pounding them thinner to ensure even cooking.
- Wine Substitutes: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, the white wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream sauce, so try to use it if possible for a more authentic flavor.
- Cream Cheese Choice: Cream cheese with chives adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish. If you can’t find this version, feel free to use plain cream cheese and add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even basil for a burst of freshness.
- Mushroom Soup Alternative: While golden mushroom soup adds a deep, earthy flavor, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or even make your own mushroom-based sauce from scratch for a more homemade touch.
- Pasta Perfection: Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Overcooked angel hair can become mushy. Drain the pasta as soon as it’s al dente and toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together before serving.
- Serving Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness of the sauce. For a more elegant dinner, serve with a chilled glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the wine-based sauce.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top adds extra flavor. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Angel Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of tender chicken, delicate angel hair pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that feels indulgent yet familiar. Its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible to even novice cooks, while the layers of flavor ensure that it remains a favorite for anyone who tries it.
What makes this dish special is its adaptability — whether you’re feeding a busy family or hosting a dinner party, Angel Chicken Pasta is sure to please. With its blend of savory and creamy elements, highlighted by the tang of white wine, this recipe brings the essence of Italian-inspired comfort right to your table. The result is a dish that’s not only satisfying but also versatile, customizable, and deeply comforting.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why Angel Chicken Pasta has become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere!