This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy weeknights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and tasty sauce into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work for you!
It’s so simple that even I can whip it up between work and errands. Plus, the chicken comes out super juicy! Who wouldn’t want a warm, cheesy meal waiting for them at home? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease, but thighs work too. They add a bit more flavor. If you’re really short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; just shred it and add it at the end!
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a creamy base. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut milk or a non-dairy cream soup to keep that creamy texture without the dairy.
Diced Tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work perfectly! If you want a bit of heat, go for the Rotel option mentioned. For a fresher taste, you can use fresh tomatoes in season, albeit chopped finer.
Pasta: Uncooked spaghetti is added directly. If you have a gluten allergy, gluten-free pasta can work, but check its cooking time since it often cooks faster in the slow cooker.
Cheese: I use cheddar and mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper Jack cheese can add a nice kick, or try a smoked cheese for an intriguing flavor twist.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken Every Time?
Shredding chicken can be easy if you follow these tips! After cooking, the chicken should be tender. Use two forks to pull it apart in opposite directions. If it’s still tough, let it cook a bit longer until it’s fall-apart tender.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes outside the slow cooker to cool slightly.
- Skip cutting; shredding is the way to go for a great texture in the spaghetti.
- For an even easier method, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred your chicken! Just add it in for 30 seconds.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 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, undrained (can substitute Rotel for a bit of spice)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need about 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook the chicken and spaghetti. After that, you’ll have an additional 30-45 minutes for the pasta to cook and cheese to melt. So, total time is about 6.5 hours if cooking on low or around 4.5 hours on high. It’s perfect for starting in the morning and coming home to a warm meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as the base for your dish and will stay moist and flavorful as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped onion, diced bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. It should look creamy and delicious!
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This will cover the chicken and infuse it with all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and cooked through when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step brings a cozy, shredded chicken texture to your dish!
6. Add the Spaghetti:
Take the uncooked spaghetti and break it in half. Stir the broken spaghetti into the sauce mixture in the crockpot. Make sure it’s submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
7. Return the Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and give everything a good mix so the chicken, spaghetti, and sauce are well combined.
8. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the slow cooker again and cook it on high for another 30-45 minutes. This allows the spaghetti to cook through and soak up all those flavors!
9. Add the Cheese:
Once the spaghetti is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix them into the dish until they are completely melted and mixed throughout.
10. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Adjust according to your preference!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the cheesy chicken spaghetti into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy, and effortless Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti—a perfect dinner for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but they’ll need extra cooking time. If you cook on low, add about 1-2 hours, or if on high, add about 1 hour. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or a vegetable spiralizer for a low-carb option. You can also replace the cream soups with a homemade version using blended vegetables or a low-sodium broth for a lighter feel.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water (though using water may make it less flavorful). If using water, consider adding additional seasonings or herbs to boost the taste.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Definitely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy!
