This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a dream come true for busy weeknights! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spaghetti, it’s all cooked in one pot for simple cleanup.
I love how I can toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while I finish other things. Plus, the whole family enjoys this tasty meal! 🍝❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe due to their tenderness. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a creamy base. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream soup. Swapping both for just one variety can also work!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds richness. If you’re lighter on cream cheese, consider using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative, although the flavor will change slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides a nice melty texture. You could substitute with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
Pasta: Traditional spaghetti is great, but if you’re looking for a whole grain or gluten-free alternative, try brown rice spaghetti or quinoa pasta, which also works nicely here!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti?
Getting the spaghetti just right in the crockpot can be tricky. The key is to break the uncooked spaghetti in half and stir it halfway through cooking. Here are the steps:
- After shredding the chicken, add the broken spaghetti and cheese to the mixture.
- Cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Stir it occasionally to avoid clumping, and check for doneness.
- If the mixture seems too thick, adding a bit more chicken broth can help loosen it up.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, creamy spaghetti dish that’s sure to satisfy!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 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 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for a bit of spice)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta
- 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 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After everything is cooked, it takes an additional 30-45 minutes for the spaghetti to cook, making it a total of about 7-8 hours from start to finish. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as the base for your delicious meal!
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a separate bowl, gather your cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and (if you like a little kick) the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then mix it all together until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Now, pour that creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. This will soak into the chicken as it cooks, making it super flavorful!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and choose to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender—easy to shred later on!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. It should fall apart easily!
6. Add Spaghetti:
Next, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and stir it into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and 2 cups of your shredded cheddar cheese. This will mix everything together beautifully!
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking on high for another 30-45 minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure the spaghetti cooks evenly. Check to see if the pasta is cooked to your liking!
8. Finish with Cheese:
Once the spaghetti is cooked, stir in the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until it is melted and creamy—it’s going to look amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting meal of Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti!
This dish is perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or even potlucks. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of the regular times. The chicken will be fully cooked and safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and creamy sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pour everything into the crockpot and follow the instructions. Great for busy weeknights!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if necessary.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a healthier option, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can work well in place of cream cheese, though the flavor might change a bit. Just keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly too!
Enjoy your cooking and let this comforting meal become a family favorite!
