This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for those hectic evenings! Just toss chicken, pasta, and a few tasty sauces into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Honestly, I love how I can set it and forget it. By dinner time, I have a warm, creamy dish ready to go. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. Who doesn’t like pasta? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just add it towards the end to warm through.
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding canned soups, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Just make sure to season it well!
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick! If you want less heat, use plain diced tomatoes or eliminate them altogether. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional here, but you can swap it for any pasta type you have on hand like penne or rotini. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different pasta may require adjustments.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella cheese add that cheesy goodness. For a different flavor, try pepper jack or parmesan. You can also reduce the dairy for a lighter version, but it won’t be as creamy.
How Do I Achieve Perfect Pasta in the Slow Cooker?
Getting the pasta just right requires a bit of attention. After your chicken cooks, you’ll want to add the spaghetti carefully. Here’s how:
- Break spaghetti in half to fit better in the crockpot.
- Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Cook on high for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent sticking and ensures it cooks properly.
Timing is key; check the pasta at the 30-minute mark. It should be tender but not mushy!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 large 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 with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and the cooking time is around 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, you’ll need another 30-45 minutes to cook the spaghetti in the crockpot. So, overall, it’s a set-and-forget meal that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This will help them cook perfectly before you mix in the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Sauces:
Next, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, black pepper, and salt into the crockpot. Gently stir everything together to combine the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and super tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir it in.
5. Add the Spaghetti:
Now, break the spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce to ensure it cooks evenly.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be tender.
7. Cheese Time:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
8. Finish the Dish:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover the crockpot for a few more minutes to melt the cheese. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious mild and cheesy crockpot chicken spaghetti hot! It’s such a comforting meal that everyone will love, especially on busy nights.
Enjoy this hassle-free recipe that’s perfect for any busy evening!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be aware that you will need to increase the cooking time to about 7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you prefer not to use canned cream soups, you can create your own by making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk and seasoning. Aim for a thick, creamy consistency that will mimic the texture of the canned soups.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You may also want to replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly!
