This easy crockpot chicken spaghetti is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious pasta all cooked together with minimal fuss!
Perfect for busy days, I love how I can toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Plus, my family always asks for seconds—who can resist cheesy gooeyness? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts since they’re easy to shred later. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute—just add it towards the end to warm through.
Spaghetti: Uncooked spaghetti works perfectly here! If you want something different, feel free to switch it up with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
Cream Soups: The combo of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups adds richness. Can’t find them? Try using a homemade white sauce or a can of Alfredo if you’re really in a pinch!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorites for this dish because they melt beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese options available in stores.
How Do You Ensure the Noodles Cook Perfectly?
Adding pasta to the crockpot can be tricky, but getting it just right is key! Here’s how to make sure the spaghetti cooks fully:
- Shred the cooked chicken about 30 minutes before serving. This allows you to stir the noodles in easily.
- Break the spaghetti in half to make it manageable and ensure it fits well in the crockpot.
- Add the uncooked pasta and ensure it’s covered with sauce, which helps it cook evenly. Stir gently.
- Cover and keep an eye on it—30 minutes on HIGH should do the trick, but check for doneness!
Don’t forget to stir everything together before serving to combine all those tasty flavors! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cooking it takes 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Just enough time to unwind while your dinner cooks itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the tasty flavors.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. These will add a lovely aroma and enhance the taste of your dish.
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir it well until everything is nicely blended.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well covered. This will create a creamy sauce that the spaghetti will soak up later.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on your time schedule. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This makes for an easier mix with the pasta later on.
7. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Stir gently to combine while ensuring the noodles are mostly covered by the sauce. This is crucial for even cooking!
8. Cheesy Goodness:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Cheese makes everything better—right?
9. Final Cook:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Stir and Serve:
Once it’s done, give everything a good stir to mix all the delicious flavors together. It’s now ready to serve!
11. Garnish:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to extend the cooking time on LOW by about 1-2 hours, as they need extra time to thaw and cook through. It’s important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety!
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or even a jar of Alfredo sauce as an alternative. Just look for options that provide a creamy texture to keep the dish rich and delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything and store the ingredients in the crockpot insert (if it’s removable) in the fridge the night before. Just add the insert to the crockpot in the morning and cook as directed. Alternatively, you can cook it fully and reheat later!
