This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just toss chicken, pasta, sauce, and cheese into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax.
The best part? It’s super creamy and full of flavor, plus clean-up is a breeze! I love to serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. Trust me, this one will become a family favorite! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they stay moist during cooking. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute; just shred it and add it in step 6.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups provide a rich base. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream soup alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies add flavor and a bit of heat. If you prefer milder flavors, go for plain diced tomatoes, but consider adding a dash of hot sauce later for heat.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is delicious, but feel free to swap it for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist. I often mix different cheeses for extra flavor.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly in a Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky, but here’s how to do it just right. After the chicken is shredded, adding uncooked pasta directly into the mixture lets the noodles absorb those tasty flavors. Here’s my tip:
- Ensure there’s enough liquid in the crockpot before adding the pasta. If the mixture looks thick, add a bit more chicken broth.
- Cook the added pasta for 30 to 45 minutes on high, checking for doneness halfway through. Stir gently for even cooking.
With these tips, your spaghetti will be perfectly tender, soaking up all that creamy goodness!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy crockpot chicken spaghetti takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Cook it for about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the crockpot. After it’s all set, just a few more minutes to let the cheese melt at the end. In total, you’re looking at around 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to delicious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of the crockpot. This is where all the flavor starts!
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder (if using), Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Carefully pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is nicely covered. This will keep it juicy and flavorful.
4. Set It to Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It’s okay if it falls apart a bit; that’s the goal!
6. Add Pasta and Cheese:
Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Now, add the broken spaghetti noodles and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together so the pasta is well-coated.
7. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot again and let it cook on high for another 30 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check if the pasta is cooked to your liking.
8. Final Touch:
Once the pasta is tender, gently stir everything. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, dish out the chicken spaghetti into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your creamy, comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti!
This dish is perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners. It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow about 8 hours, and on high, about 4 to 5 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you’re looking for alternatives to cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, you can use a homemade white sauce or a non-dairy cream alternative, like coconut milk. Just add some seasonings to mimic the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to cool the dish completely before freezing!
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook through!
