When the weather starts to cool down and the days become shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty meal shared with loved ones. Enter the Creamy Chicken Tenderloin & Herb Noodles—a slow-cooked dish that brings an irresistible mix of flavor, nourishment, and nostalgia to the table. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends when you crave comfort food without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is everything you want in a cozy meal: tender chicken, rich and creamy noodles, and the perfect blend of aromatic herbs. With minimal prep time and your trusty slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Serve it up for a family dinner and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins – Tender and juicy, these cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- 8 cups chicken stock – The base that makes this dish so flavorful.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds an essential savory depth.
- 1 onion, diced – For a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced – Bring a hint of natural sweetness.
- 3 stalks celery, diced – Balances the dish with its subtle flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy and warm.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – A fragrant addition that pairs well with chicken.
- 2 bay leaves – Infuse a subtle herbal note.
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds – The heart of the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Brings richness and that creamy texture.
- Juice of 1 lemon – Adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – For a fresh finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Place them into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add chicken stock, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir gently and season with a bit more salt and pepper if desired.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the chicken to become perfectly tender.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Add Pasta and Cream: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the spaghetti and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Cook Until Perfect: Cover again and continue to cook on low heat for another 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking and the mixture has reached a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle generous portions into bowls, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with your family.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid it becoming too soft.
- Customize Your Noodles: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to swap out the spaghetti for something like fettuccine or rotini.
- Add Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in some spinach or peas just before serving.
Why This Dish Works:
The combination of slow-cooked chicken and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The addition of cream and lemon juice balances richness with a hint of tanginess, making each bite perfectly balanced. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and makes any dinner feel special.
So next time you’re in need of a heartwarming meal, turn to this Creamy Chicken Tenderloin & Herb Noodles recipe. Easy, delicious, and bound to become a family favorite, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Cozy up, dig in, and savor every bite!
Creamy Chicken Tenderloin & Herb Noodles
Description
Cozy up with this Creamy Chicken Tenderloin & Herb Noodles dish that brings comfort straight from your slow cooker. Packed with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a touch of creaminess, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 8 cups chicken stock
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 stalks celery, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 bay leaves
– 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, to taste. Place them into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Stir in chicken stock, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves; season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
4. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker along with the spaghetti. Stir in the heavy cream.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the mixture is creamy.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley just before serving.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting bite.