This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a total lifesaver for busy nights! Just throw in chicken, pasta, and tasty sauce, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
You’ll love how simple it is—you can relax while dinner cooks itself. Plus, it’s a cozy dish that makes everyone go back for seconds. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are a must here for easy shredding. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work great too! You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
Cream Soups: I love using cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for a rich flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut cream or an alternative cream soup. You can even make your own with blended silken tofu and vegetable broth!
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add moisture and flavor. Feel free to swap for crushed tomatoes or diced fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra kick. Just adjust seasonings accordingly.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella add gorgeous creaminess. You can mix it up using Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some heat. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese works well.
How Do I Cook Spaghetti Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky, but it’s easy with a few steps! The key is to add the uncooked noodles towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from overcooking.
- After shredding the chicken, stir in the broken spaghetti noodles.
- Cover and cook on high for an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour. Check for tenderness.
- Stir well to make sure the spaghetti absorbs the sauce and flavors.
Keep an eye on the pasta, as every crockpot can cook a bit differently! Enjoy your creamy dish without any fuss!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot. It’s 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, plus an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour for the spaghetti. Total time is around 7.5 hours on low or 4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day where you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your tasty meal!
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms a creamy and flavorful sauce!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated with that delicious sauce.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. You want the chicken to be nice and tender when it’s done.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This makes it nice and bite-sized for the spaghetti!
6. Adding the Pasta:
Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the crockpot along with the shredded chicken. Give everything a good stir to mix!
7. Cooking the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will let the spaghetti cook and soak up all that yummy sauce.
8. Incorporating the Cheese:
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This will melt beautifully and create a creamy texture.
9. Season to Taste:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or spices depending on your preference!
10. Serving:
Serve your delicious chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your easy and comforting meal!
FAQ About Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just note that you’ll need to increase the cooking time. If using frozen chicken, cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten things up, consider using whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber or reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before. Place all the ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just set the insert in the crockpot and cook as directed!
What Should I Serve With Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables also make great accompaniments.
