This creamy chicken spaghetti is a real treat! Made with juicy chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce, it’s cooked slowly to let the flavors blend beautifully in your crockpot.
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? Just toss everything in and let it do its magic. I often add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: You can use frozen chicken breasts if you want, just add an hour to the cooking time. If you’re looking for an alternative, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor too!
Pasta: Spaghetti is classic here, but feel free to swap it for other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup create the base of the sauce. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, use two cans of cream of chicken instead. Homemade cream soups are also an option for a healthier twist.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt smoothly into the sauce, but you could substitute with any melty cheese you like, such as Gouda or Monterey Jack. If you want a little kick, pepper jack cheese works great too!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky since it can easily become mushy. Here’s the key:
- Once your chicken is cooked and shredded, break the pasta into smaller pieces for easier cooking and absorption of flavors.
- After adding the pasta, cover and cook on high for just 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
- Stir gently halfway through to check on the pasta and prevent it from sticking.
With a little attention, you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta in a delicious, creamy sauce!
Easy Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package of spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Time Estimate:
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and then it can cook in your crockpot for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Plus, you’ll need an additional 30-45 minutes at the end for the pasta to cook and blend in with the sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at around 6-7 hours for a stress-free dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Base:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base layer where the flavors will build.
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. These will infuse your dish with a tasty aroma as it cooks!
3. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything until it’s mostly smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring it’s spread evenly. This will help the chicken stay moist and flavorful!
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. This makes it easy to stir back into the sauce.
7. Add the Pasta:
Break the spaghetti into halves or thirds and add it to the crockpot. Stir everything well to combine the pasta with the creamy sauce.
8. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked to your liking. Remember to check on it to prevent overcooking!
9. Melt the Cheeses:
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until they’re melted and the dish is creamy and cheesy.
10. Serve and Garnish:
If desired, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and let it melt before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley to add a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti!
This dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken is completely cooked through before shredding. Cooking from frozen gives you tender, juicy chicken just as if you started with fresh!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before. Just combine the ingredients in the crockpot, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, set it to cook. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer if you start with cold ingredients!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened!
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make your own creamy sauce using a roux or a mix of sour cream and chicken broth. Blend 1/2 cup of sour cream with 1 cup of chicken broth for a creamy alternative. Just make sure to keep the consistency similar for the right creamy texture!