This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and a tasty sauce into the crockpot, and let it do the work for you.
I can’t believe how simple it is! It’s like magic—dinner is ready when you are! Plus, my kids love it, which makes me a happy parent. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for tenderness. You can use thighs or even rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. I recommend shredding it for better mixing!
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of cheese bring richness. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cream soups. You can replace with homemade white sauce for a healthier option.
Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick! If you prefer milder flavors, use plain diced tomatoes or skip them entirely. You can also reduce the chili powder for less heat.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is great, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or dietary needs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for different types of noodles.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti in a Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky! To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Make sure the spaghetti is broken in half so it fits well and cooks evenly.
- Stir it into the sauce, ensuring all noodles are submerged. This prevents sticking and helps them absorb flavors.
- Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Give it a stir to incorporate and check your noodles. They should be tender but not mushy!
This way, you’ll have delicious, perfectly cooked spaghetti every time!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of cheese soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for a little spice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then you can set your crockpot for cooking! You’ll need about 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for the chicken to be tender. After that, an additional 30-45 minutes for the spaghetti to cook. So, the total time is roughly 6 hours for low or about 4.5 hours for high, plus easy hands-on prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This makes cleanup easier later on!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They will soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheese soup, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if you’re using them), chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. If you are cooking on low, let it go for 5-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender as can be!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. They should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
7. Add the Spaghetti:
Take your spaghetti noodles and break them in half before adding them to the crockpot. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles are mixed in and coated in the sauce. Make sure all noodles are submerged—add a splash more chicken broth if they’re peeking out!
8. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles cook evenly and you get that lovely creamy texture.
9. Add the Cheese:
When the spaghetti is tender, stir in your shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and is all gooey and delicious.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it up hot, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a splash of color and flavor!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, comforting chicken spaghetti perfect for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook on the low setting for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through to at least 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the crockpot the night before, keep it in the fridge, and then cook it in the morning. Just remember to add cooking time if it’s coming directly from the fridge!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if necessary to keep it creamy and moist.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cheddar, feel free to swap it out for mozzarella, Monterey jack, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just make sure it melts well to keep that creamy texture!
