This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is your go-to meal for busy nights! With chicken, spaghetti, and a tasty sauce cooking together, you’ll have a hearty dish ready when you are.
You just throw everything in the pot and let it work its magic while you relax or catch up on your shows. Perfect for those days when you want dinner with minimal fuss! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this dish. You can also use thighs for extra juiciness, or for a plant-based option, substitute with chickpeas or a store-bought plant-based chicken product.
Soups: A mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken adds creaminess. If you have dietary restrictions, try using dairy-free soups or vegetable broth to keep it lighter.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds richness to the sauce. For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt. They will slightly change the flavor but still deliver great texture.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella give a nice flavor and gooey texture. Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack can be fun alternatives for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese can also work if you need a dairy-free option.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is perfect here, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just remember, cooking time may vary, so check for doneness!
How Do I Ensure the Spaghetti Cooks Perfectly?
Adding uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot might seem odd, but it works well! This step helps the pasta absorb flavors from the sauce. Just follow these tips:
- Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta. If it’s too runny, the spaghetti might not cook correctly.
- Break the spaghetti in half for easier mixing and serving.
- Stir gently after adding the pasta to make sure every piece is covered in sauce.
- Keep the lid on during cooking to retain moisture, which helps the spaghetti soften.
- Finally, taste the spaghetti as it cooks to get your preferred level of tenderness.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds 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 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 25 minutes of prep time and then will cook for 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. No need to cut them; they’ll cook nicely as they are!
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir until everything is smoothly combined.
4. Pour the Sauce:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is well coated.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender!
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This will help them absorb the flavors even more.
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to combine everything well.
8. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot. Give it a good stir to coat the pasta with the sauce, ensuring it’s submerged.
9. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the mixture. Cover the crockpot again to let the cheese melt.
10. Final Cooking:
Cook on high for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the spaghetti is tender and the cheese is gooey and melted.
11. Final Stir:
Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together to evenly distribute the sauce and cheese throughout the dish.
12. Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Your warm, creamy chicken spaghetti is ready to serve! Enjoy it hot and dig in!
This recipe makes a creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti that’s perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and easy clean-up. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire recipe, then refrigerate it (without cooking) for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook. If you’ve already cooked it, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Chicken Spaghetti?
This chicken spaghetti is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies. For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving!
