Why You’ll Love CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe combines the ease of slow cooking with the comforting flavors of a hearty pasta dish. You’ll love how the chicken becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, while the cheesy, creamy sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish is reliable, tasty, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Diced tomatoes (with green chilies, if preferred)
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Cream of chicken soup
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Cream cheese
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Onion, diced
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Garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
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Spaghetti noodles
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Chicken broth or water
Directions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the CrockPot.
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Add diced tomatoes, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the CrockPot.
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Stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
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Add cooked spaghetti noodles and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the noodles are coated and the cheese is melted.
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Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve warm and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Cook time is about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus about 20 minutes to stir in the noodles and cheese before serving.
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Variations
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Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
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Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
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Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
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Spice it up with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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Substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or rotini.
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Use Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
For stovetop reheating, place the spaghetti in a pan over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until hot.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What type of cheese works best for CrockPot chicken spaghetti?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend also melt well and add flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to add extra cooking time. It’s recommended to thaw the chicken before slow cooking for even cooking and food safety.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your soup and broth are labeled gluten-free.
Can I cook the spaghetti in the CrockPot?
It’s best to cook the spaghetti separately and stir it in at the end to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade white sauce or substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup.
How can I add more vegetables?
Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas during the last hour of cooking.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Add shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken during the last hour of cooking to warm it through.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese and stir it in at the end, once the CrockPot is on low or warm, to ensure a smooth sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your CrockPot is large enough to handle the increased volume.
What can I serve with chicken spaghetti?
It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and fuss-free meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. With minimal prep, rich flavors, and comforting textures, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for families, potlucks, or meal prep. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your kitchen.
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles—all slow-cooked to delicious perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for sautéing onions)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt into the CrockPot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the CrockPot. Stir well to submerge the pasta.
- Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 4 oz of cream cheese when stirring in the shredded cheese.
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to reduce slow cooking time.
- You can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Spaghetti can be substituted with other pasta like penne or rotini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
