This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just toss some chicken, pasta, and tasty sauce into your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
It’s super creamy and has tons of flavor that makes dinner feel special with very little effort. I love that I can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other things!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it simple and fast, but you can also use thighs for a richer taste. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great, just shred it and add it later in the cooking process!
Cream Soups: The cream of chicken and mushroom soups add creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for healthier options, try low-fat versions or make a homemade cream sauce using milk and flour. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream soup alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring extra flavor and a kick! If you want less spice, use regular diced tomatoes or even a can of tomato sauce. You can also add fresh tomatoes in season.
Cheeses: I recommend sharp cheddar and mozzarella for great flavor and melting qualities. Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as pepper jack for some heat, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky! Here are some essential tips to ensure it turns out just right:
- Break the spaghetti in half to fit nicely and cook evenly without clumping.
- Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce. If needed, add extra broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Check the pasta about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps it from turning mushy.
- Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and to incorporate the flavors well.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti that the whole family will love!”
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and then you can set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After that, you’ll have about 30-45 minutes more for the pasta to cook. So total, plan for about 7 hours on low or 4.5 hours on high for a delicious meal ready with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Started with the Chicken:
Place the two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. It’s okay if they’re a bit frozen; they’ll thaw and cook beautifully!
2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, chili powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. This mixture will be flavorful and creamy!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the delicious mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well covered. This will help it stay moist and flavorful while it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and super tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
6. Mix It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and give everything a good stir to combine. This is where it starts to look really good!
7. Add the Spaghetti:
Add the broken spaghetti pieces into the crockpot. Stir again to make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. This helps it cook evenly.
8. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked through and tender. Make sure to check it occasionally and stir if needed.
9. Add the Cheese:
Once the spaghetti is ready, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Let them melt and combine into the dish. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your creamy, comforting chicken spaghetti and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy this easy, delicious meal that the whole family will love!
FAQs about Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can start with frozen chicken breasts. Just remember that it might take a little longer to cook. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you prefer to skip the canned cream soups, you can make a homemade substitute using a mix of milk (or a dairy-free alternative), flour, and a bit of seasoning for thickness and flavor. Alternatively, you can use a creamy cheese sauce if that’s more to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, as some may require different cooking durations.
