This creamy chicken spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy days! Just toss chicken, pasta, and some cozy sauce in your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you relax.
I love how the chicken turns out so tender and flavorful. It’s the perfect meal for a family night, and my kids can’t get enough of it! Who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great. You can substitute thighs for more flavor or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option—just add it later to heat through.
Pasta: Spaghetti is classic here, but you can easily swap it for any pasta you like. Penne or fusilli will also work and might hold onto the sauce better!
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken give great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat versions are available. You can even swap them for homemade white sauce if you prefer.
Sour cream: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative. It gives a similar texture with a bit of tang.
Cheese: Cheddar is my top choice for its melting quality. Feel free to replace it with mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun kick!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Chicken?
To ensure your chicken is full of flavor, let it marinate in the soup mixture as it cooks. The combination of cream soups and spices keeps the chicken moist and tender. Shredding the chicken towards the end aids in blending it into the pasta.
- Layer your ingredients properly; chicken at the bottom to soak up the flavors.
- Mix the spices well into the sauce, ensuring even seasoning.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little more paprika or garlic powder over the top before cooking.
Enjoy cooking this delicious and easy crockpot dish!
Easy Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 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 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 6.5 hours to cook (6 hours on LOW and 30-45 minutes on HIGH). It’s perfect for a busy day since you can just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps the chicken stay juicy as it cooks.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is combined well.
3. Add the Sauce to the Crockpot:
Pour the delicious soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Add the Veggies:
Scatter the diced onion and green bell pepper (if using) on top of everything in the crockpot. These will add some nice flavor!
5. Cook on LOW:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for about 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This will mix it well with the sauce.
7. Add the Pasta:
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the crockpot evenly. This allows the pasta to absorb all those yummy flavors.
8. Cheese Time:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti and chicken. Yum!
9. Cook on HIGH:
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally if you can.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, stir all the ingredients together well. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Enjoy your creamy, comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to cook the dish for an additional hour on LOW to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Just be aware that using frozen chicken may result in a bit more liquid in the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just cook it on LOW for 6 hours. This is a great way to save time on busy days!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the pasta retain moisture, then warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just cook the pasta the same way and ensure it’s added to the crockpot during the last 30-45 minutes so it cooks properly.
