This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just throw chicken, spaghetti, and yummy sauce in the pot, and let it cook while you get on with your day.
Trust me, when dinner is ready, the smell will have everyone running to the table. I love how simple it is to make—just set it and forget it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for tenderness and flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works too—just shred it and add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking!
Cream Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free brands. You can also use homemade versions if you prefer to avoid canned items.
Diced Tomatoes: The tomatoes add a zing! I like using those with green chilies for a little spice. If heat isn’t your thing, use plain diced tomatoes instead.
Pasta: Regular spaghetti is perfect, but you can swap it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time as it may vary!
Cheese: While I love cheddar, using a blend of mozzarella and provolone can add extra flavor. Go for lower-fat options if you’re watching calories!
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Cooks Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Break the spaghetti in half to fit better.
- Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Stir it as it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Add the spaghetti 30-45 minutes before serving for the best texture—this way, it stays perfectly al dente!
Keep an eye during the last cook; you want it tender without becoming mushy. If it looks dry, splash in a bit more broth or water.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll want to let it cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot, making this an effortless meal to prepare while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the Chicken:
Put the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will create a tasty base for your dish.
2. Prepare the Soup Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, chopped onion, red bell pepper if you’re using it, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Spread it evenly, so the chicken is nicely covered.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Then return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and give it a good stir to combine it with the soup mixture.
6. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot, along with the chicken broth or water. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce.
7. Cook the Pasta:
Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the spaghetti is cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
8. Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the chicken spaghetti and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your easy, comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti perfect for busy nights!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by a couple of hours since frozen chicken takes longer to cook through. It’s best to cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you’d like to avoid cream soups, you can use a homemade white sauce or a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth as a healthier alternative. Just make sure to adjust seasoning as needed for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken spaghetti for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add heat, consider using spicy diced tomatoes, adding a dash of hot sauce, or including crushed red pepper flakes in the soup mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
