This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for those busy weeknights! All you need is chicken, spaghetti, and some tasty sauce. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook!
I love how this meal makes my evening stress-free. Plus, the chicken gets super tender, and the spaghetti becomes so flavorful! It’s a huge win for family dinners! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. If you’re looking for a faster option, you can use rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked, so just shred it and mix it in at the end!
Cream of Mushroom and Chicken Soups: These give the dish a creamy base. If you’re avoiding cream soups, try using a homemade white sauce or a can of coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add freshness. If you prefer, you can swap them for fresh diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes based on what you have on hand.
Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but feel free to use any kind of pasta you have—penne or fusilli work well, too. Gluten-free pasta could be a good substitute if you have dietary restrictions.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but make it your own! You can use a Mexican blend for a twist, or even omit cheese for a lighter version.
How Do I Ensure the Spaghetti is Perfectly Cooked in a Crockpot?
Cooking spaghetti in a crockpot can be tricky since it can easily get mushy if overcooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, shred the chicken and mix it back in with the other ingredients before adding the pasta.
- Break the spaghetti into halves or thirds to help it cook evenly.
- Monitor the cooking time closely during the last 30-45 minutes. Check and stir after about 20 minutes to ensure it’s not clumping together.
- If it looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
This will help your spaghetti stay al dente and prevent it from becoming too soft!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 ½ 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, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into halves or thirds
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 10-15 minutes for prep time and 6 hours if cooking on low (3 hours on high). The total time needed is approximately 6 hours 15 minutes if on low. It’s super simple and allows you to set it and forget it, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the foundation of your meal.
2. Add the Veggies and Soups:
Next, add in the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then pour in the drained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder (if you’re using it), Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. These ingredients will create a delicious, creamy sauce.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred them. It should fall apart easily!
5. Mix Everything Together:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the spaghetti noodles into halves or thirds and add them directly into the crockpot. Stir well to ensure the noodles are coated with the sauce.
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally; if the pasta looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
8. Add the Cheese:
Once the spaghetti is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, feel free to garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
10. Enjoy!
Serve this warm and enjoy your comforting, creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti with your loved ones. It’s a delicious dish perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure to check that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can meal prep by chopping your vegetables and seasoning your chicken the night before. Just combine everything in the crockpot the next day and let it cook—perfect for busy schedules!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you don’t want to use cream soups, you can replace them with a homemade white sauce or a can of coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just add a bit of flour to thicken it as needed.
