This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy nights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and some tasty sauce into your slow cooker for a warm, comforting meal.
I love how I can set it and forget it. The chicken comes out so tender, and my family always asks for seconds. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot dinner? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. If you’re looking for a quicker cook, you can use chicken thighs or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it during the last hour of cooking to heat through.
Spaghetti Noodles: Regular spaghetti works best, but you can substitute with gluten-free spaghetti or other pasta shapes. Just keep an eye on cooking times if you choose a different type!
Cream Soups: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream of mushroom and chicken soups. If you’re avoiding canned soups, consider making your own creamy sauce with milk or sour cream thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Cheese: I’ve used cheddar and mozzarella for a melty finish, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, or you can use a dairy-free cheese if necessary.
Bell Pepper and Onion: These are optional, but they add great flavor and texture. If you want to skip them, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead for convenience.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti in the Crockpot?
The key to cooking spaghetti in a crockpot is timing. When adding the broken spaghetti, do it towards the end of the cooking time to keep it from getting mushy.
- After shredding the chicken (around the 6-hour mark), add the spaghetti noodles to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for just 1 hour. Check to see if the pasta is tender.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can uncover the pot for the last few minutes of cooking.
Keep a close eye on the cooking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked spaghetti with little effort! 🍝
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into thirds
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal will take around 7 hours total. You’ll need about 6 hours of cooking time on low for the chicken and one hour on high for the spaghetti. It’s an easy set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Chicken:
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your dish.
2. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Add the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the chicken is nice and tender. When it’s ready, it should shred easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for a moment.
5. Add the Spaghetti:
Now, break the spaghetti noodles into thirds and add them to the crockpot along with the shredded chicken. If you’re using the optional bell pepper and onion, toss those in as well. Stir everything together well to ensure the noodles are coated.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1 hour, or until the spaghetti is tender. Check it occasionally to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
7. Melt in the Cheese:
Once the spaghetti is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until they are melted and creamy, coating all the pasta and chicken.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
This delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti is sure to be a hit with the whole family! 🍝
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to step 2, refrigerate it overnight, and then cook it the next day. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently on the stove until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens while stored.
Can I Substitute Different Pasta?
Yes! You can use a variety of pasta shapes, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose; generally, it will still need about an hour on high once added to the crockpot.
