This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just toss chicken, pasta, sauce, and some cheese into the slow cooker and let it do all the work!
It’s creamy, cheesy, and super comforting—perfect for a quick family dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? I often have leftovers for lunch, and they’re just as good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease. You can replace them with thighs if you want a juicier texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if they are bone-in.
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups give a rich flavor. If you want a healthier option, consider using low-fat versions or making your own creamy sauce with a bit of flour, stock, and milk.
Diced Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a nice zesty kick. If you’re not a fan of green chilies, opt for plain diced tomatoes instead. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are great melters. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist, or swap it for a dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in the Crockpot?
The pasta is a crucial part of this dish but can be tricky in a crockpot. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Break the spaghetti into thirds to help it cook evenly.
- Make sure to stir well when adding it to the pot to prevent clumping.
- Cook on high for no more than 45 minutes after adding the pasta—check for tenderness. If it’s ready, turn off the heat.
Remember, every crockpot is different, so keep an eye on your pasta the first time you make it!
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 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (broken into thirds)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare for cooking, followed by 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After adding the pasta, allow about 30-45 minutes for everything to cook perfectly. Overall, set aside around 6 hours for this delicious meal, but most of that time is hands-off!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about cutting them up; they will shred easily later!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix everything well!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s done when it easily shreds with a fork!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred them. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, mixing it into the sauce.
6. Add the Pasta:
Break the spaghetti noodles into thirds and stir them into the crockpot. Mix everything together well to ensure the pasta is coated in sauce.
7. Cook the Pasta:
Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and tender. Give it a stir halfway through to prevent sticking!
8. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and creamy. Yum!
9. Final Touch:
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover for a few minutes until it melts on top. This adds a delicious cheesy layer!
10. Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve hot. Enjoy your hearty and comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti!
It’s truly a perfect dinner solution for busy nights, and your family will love it!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Make sure the chicken is cooked through to at least 165°F when done.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with a homemade sauce made from flour, chicken broth, and milk. You could also use a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, for a different flavor profile.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them to the crockpot along with the chicken and soup mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
