This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Just toss chicken, pasta, and your favorite sauce into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
The best part? It’s so cozy and filling! I love how the noodles soak up the sauce while cooking. Perfect for those days when you have zero time but want something yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here because they cook nicely in the crockpot. You can use thighs for more flavor, or if you’re pressed for time, shredded rotisserie chicken works well too!
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add richness. If you need a lighter option, try low-fat versions or substitute with homemade cream sauce for extra control over ingredients.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the dish creamy and thick. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese—just mix them in at the end for creaminess without the fat.
Cheese: Cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, and mozzarella will make it super gooey. Cheese blends can also be fun here!
Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can swap in any pasta you prefer, like penne or rotini. Just ensure you break it in half if it’s long!
How Do I Ensure My Spaghetti is Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky, but I have some tips to help you get it right!
- First, wait until the chicken is shredded and the sauce is well mixed before adding the spaghetti. This helps the pasta absorb the best flavor.
- Break the spaghetti in half to fit it better into the pot. Stirring well will help it cook evenly in the sauce.
- Check on it after 30 minutes. If you like it al dente, turn off the heat around the 30-minute mark; if you prefer it softer, you may let it go up to 1 hour.
- Make sure to serve it fresh and don’t leave it in the crockpot too long, or the pasta may get mushy!
These tips should help you whip up a delicious chicken spaghetti dish that everyone will love! Enjoy your meal!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for a mild kick)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. The perfect way to set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
2. Layer the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They’ll cook beautifully and soak up all that delicious sauce.
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with the softened cream cheese. Then add in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and onion. Stir everything together until smooth and well mixed.
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour that flavorful sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and set the cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
6. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and stir it into the crockpot. Make sure to coat the pasta with the sauce well for maximum flavor.
7. Cheese It Up:
Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, then stir everything together. Cover again and continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the spaghetti is cooked to your desired tenderness.
8. Final Touch:
Once the spaghetti is done, stir in the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the chicken spaghetti warm, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting, home-cooked meal!
This recipe makes a creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken spaghetti dish with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
FAQ – Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase your cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure they are fully cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can work well. Just stir them in at the end for creaminess without the fat. You can also use a low-fat cream cheese alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Use Different Pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap in any pasta type you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and remember to break long noodles like spaghetti to fit into the crockpot!
