This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a warm, comforting dish that you’ll want to make over and over again! It’s made with tender chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy sauce that’s simply delicious!
Honestly, the best part is how easy it is! Just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you kick back and relax. It’s a no-fuss recipe for busy days!
to ensure it cooks through. Stir everything to mix it well.
Trust me, keeping an eye on the noodles will ensure they turn out delightfully tender! Enjoy your delicious meal without the stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook well in the crockpot. If you’re looking for a shortcut, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time and work beautifully!
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess. You can use low-fat versions for a lighter option or substitute with homemade white sauce if you prefer fresh ingredients.
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies give a nice kick. If you want less spice, use plain diced tomatoes instead or leave out the chili pieces and add a pinch of paprika for a mild flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice here. You can mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a fun twist. Just remember that using shredded cheese melts best!
How Do You Get the Noodles Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the spaghetti in the crockpot is super easy, but timing is key. After you shred the chicken, you need to add the uncooked pasta to water or broth. This helps the noodles cook evenly without becoming mushy.
- Break the spaghetti in half to fit better in the pot.
- Make sure the liquid covers the pasta well
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (Rotel works well)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then around 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s all about letting the flavors meld together while you relax or get other things done!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. This will be the base of your delicious dish!
2. Make the Soup Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chopped onion, and green bell pepper (if you’re using it). Add garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well covered!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
6. Add the Noodles:
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the crockpot along with the chicken broth or water. Stir everything well to combine.
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the noodles to make sure they get tender without overcooking!
8. Add the Cheese:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture throughout. Yum!
9. Final Touch:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it sit for about 5 more minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, easy crockpot chicken spaghetti!
This comforting dish is perfect for busy nights and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure you extend the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow for about 6-7 hours, and on high, around 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Soups?
No worries! You can make a substitute by mixing equal parts of sour cream or Greek yogurt with milk, then adding seasoning to taste. This will help achieve that creamy texture without using canned soups!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular spaghetti noodles with gluten-free pasta. Cook them separately and add them into the crockpot toward the end of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster.
