This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a yummy one-pot wonder! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and warm spaghetti noodles, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
What’s great is just tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do the work. I love coming home to that delightful smell! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want to switch it up, you can use thighs for a richer flavor. Rotisserie chicken is also a great shortcut—just shred it and toss it in at the end!
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess. You can try using homemade versions or substitute with a low-sodium or organic brand for healthier options. If you have a favorite cream soup, use that too!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella give that wonderful cheesy kick. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some spice. Nutritional yeast can be a great cheese substitute for a dairy-free option.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works well, but you can swap it for whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you want a lighter meal. Just be mindful of the cooking time as some noodles cook faster.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning enhances the flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme to create your own blend!
How Can I Ensure My Spaghetti is Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it!
- First, make sure to break the spaghetti in half so it fits well in the pot and absorbs the sauce.
- Stir intermittently when adding the noodles to ensure they don’t clump together.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially in the last phase. Start checking around the 30-minute mark to see if the pasta is tender.
- Adding the spinach or any quick-cooking veggies at the last 10 minutes can elevate the dish with additional nutrition.
With these tips and ingredient swaps, you’re set for a delightful and easy meal! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for a little kick)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to cook. Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base for all the yummy flavors.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced green chilies (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure to cover the chicken completely.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should be easy to shred!
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Add half of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and combined well.
7. Incorporate the Pasta:
Now, break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the mixture in the crockpot, along with the diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Stir everything together carefully, making sure the noodles are coated and submerged in the sauce.
8. Finish Cooking:
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking. You want them to be tender and fully cooked!
9. Cheese Time!
Once the spaghetti is cooked, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving. Dive into your comforting, creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti and enjoy every bite!
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 about an extra hour to the cooking time. The crockpot will safely thaw and cook the chicken while making the sauce deliciously creamy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. You can find various options like brown rice noodles or chickpea pasta at most grocery stores. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Should I 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 stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess if needed!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini while the spaghetti cooks. Just add them at the same time as the spaghetti so they can cook through and absorb those delicious flavors!
