This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy weeknights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and your favorite sauce into the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you.
You’ll love how the chicken gets tender and the pasta soaks up all that yummy sauce. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on hectic evenings. Plus, less cleanup means more time for relaxing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Cream Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken add creaminess. If you prefer homemade, you can substitute with a béchamel sauce or use a dairy-free option like coconut cream.
Spaghetti: I use regular spaghetti, but feel free to swap it for whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or even alternatives like zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a delicious cheesy topping. You can mix it up with your favorites, like pepper jack for spice or Parmesan for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- Always add the broken spaghetti about 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soak up the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level; if it looks too dry, add a bit more chicken broth to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Stir gently to combine and to help the pasta cook evenly in the sauce.
With these tips, your chicken spaghetti will be perfectly cooked and delicious! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Time Needed to Prepare:
This delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need 5-6 hours if you’re cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. Plus, you’ll have 30 minutes towards the end to add in the pasta and cheese. Set it and forget it for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base of your dish, so make sure they’re spread out evenly.
2. Add Flavor:
Next, sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken. These will cook down and infuse the chicken with lots of flavor as it cooks.
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until well blended.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to pour your soup mixture over the chicken and onions in the crockpot. Make sure everything is nicely covered.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred when it’s done!
6. Shred the Chicken:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily!
7. Add the Pasta:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, then add the broken spaghetti pieces. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta gets submerged in the sauce.
8. Cheesy Goodness:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, stir everything gently and serve it hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Your cozy and easy crockpot chicken spaghetti is ready to enjoy!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to increase the cooking time to about 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to ensure it cooks thoroughly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Soups?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups, you can make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, or use a combination of sour cream and chicken broth for creaminess. Dairy-free options like coconut cream also work well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients in advance, combine them in the crockpot, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to add some cooking time if you start with cold ingredients!
