This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for those busy weeknights! Just toss in some chicken, pasta, sauce, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
I love that it’s a one-pot meal—easy cleanup! Plus, it’s so comforting and cheesy, making it a family favorite. Who doesn’t love a cozy bowl of spaghetti? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with in slow cookers. If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken works great, too! Just add it in at the end to warm through.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. If you’re short on time, use onion powder instead—about a teaspoon or two will do the trick!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a nice aroma, but garlic powder is a good substitute if you’re in a bind—use about 1 teaspoon.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup create the creamy base. You can swap them for any cream soup you prefer, such as cream of celery or even a vegan alternative for dairy-free options.
Spaghetti: I recommend using regular spaghetti, but feel free to substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just know that cook times may vary!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a wonderful flavor. You can switch it up with mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend if you like a different twist.
How Do I Get the Pasta Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it!
- First, make sure to add the broken spaghetti on top of the sauce mixture without stirring. The steam will cook it perfectly.
- Keep the lid on during cooking! This traps heat and moisture, helping the pasta cook evenly.
- Check for doneness near the end of the cooking time. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
- If you find it’s not cooked through, add a little more broth or water and cover for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Following these steps will keep your pasta just right, making your chicken spaghetti deliciously creamy and comforting!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta, uncooked and broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and then you can forget about it for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. No need to worry about cutting them—just lay them down whole!
2. Add the Flavor Ingredients
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the entire can of undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Then, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, gently stir everything together to mix the flavors.
3. Add the Spaghetti
Take your uncooked spaghetti, break it in half, and place it right on top of the mixture in the crockpot. Make sure not to stir this time—just leave it on top so the steam can cook it perfectly.
4. Cooking Time!
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. Don’t peek too often; keep that heat trapped inside!
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take out the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together so the chicken is well mixed with the pasta and sauce.
6. Add the Cheese!
Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it well until it’s melted and creamy throughout the dish. It’s going to smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up the chicken spaghetti while it’s hot, and if you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a nice garnish. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal with your family!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re using them frozen. The slow cooker will safely cook the chicken all the way through, keeping your dish delicious and safe.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before. Just place all the ingredients in the crockpot, cover, and store in the fridge. In the morning, simply set the crockpot to cook. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it creamy.
What Other Pastas Can I Use In This Recipe?
You can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta! Just stick to about 8 oz, and remember that cooking times may vary—check for doneness towards the end of the cooking time!
