Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort dish that warms your heart and fills your belly without compromising your time. Imagine coming home after a long day to the delightful aroma of tender chicken melded with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This simple yet satisfying meal takes advantage of your slow cooker, allowing all the ingredients to blend beautifully while you go about your day. Packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite that you will reach for time and again.
Why We Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Just toss in all your ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic! Second, it is versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s taste, whether you like it spicy or mild. Finally, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse. With lean chicken, creamy cheeses, and tomatoes, it offers a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in one satisfying meal. You’ll love how everyone gathers around the table for this delightful dish!
Ingredients about Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
To make your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti, here is what you will need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 – 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Directions
Making Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a breeze, and you can have it ready in no time. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks thoroughly while absorbing all the delicious flavors from other ingredients.
Next, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and the cream of chicken soup on top of the chicken. These soups serve as the base for your creamy sauce, making it rich and flavorful. After that, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the chicken broth. The tomatoes infuse the dish with tangy goodness, while the broth adds moisture for cooking.
Now it’s time to season your mixture. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper evenly over the top. These spices enhance the overall flavor profile, giving it a nice kick without being overwhelming.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about four hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender enough to shred easily. After four hours, use two forks to shred the chicken right inside the cooker. This method allows the chicken to soak up even more of the tasty sauce.
Once you’ve shredded the chicken, it’s time to add the stars of the dish: the cheeses! Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese, mixing everything gently to combine. The warm ingredients will help melt the cheeses, making the sauce velvety smooth.
Finally, add the broken spaghetti to the slow cooker and mix again, ensuring that the pasta is well coated. Cover the pot once more and switch it to high for an additional 30 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender. Once ready, give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavors before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley or more cheese if desired for that extra touch!
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Serving your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is as simple as dishing it out from the slow cooker. You can present it right in the pot for a rustic and cozy feel or transfer it to a large serving bowl for a more formal presentation. Either way, people will be excited to dig in!
Pair this delicious meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add a fresh, crisp element to your dinner plate. You could also serve some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up any of the cheesy sauce, enhancing the meal’s overall experience. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, and it can also be a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied and happy.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
To ensure your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips worth considering:
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are a healthy choice, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture to your dish.
- Modify the Cream Soups: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using low-fat cream soups or even homemade versions to control the ingredients.
- Spice Level Adjustments: If you enjoy heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also substitute the diced tomatoes with green chilies for regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Cooking Times May Vary: Cooking times can differ based on the model of your slow cooker. Always check your dish towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix up the types of cheese! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add exciting flavors.
- Stir and Check: Give the dish a gentle stir a few times while it cooks to ensure even melting of the cheese and cooking of the spaghetti.
How to Store Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Storing your leftovers is simple! Once the Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking to keep it safe to eat. The dish will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing portions. Spoon the cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring excess air is removed before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe lends itself well to various delicious variations, making it easy to adapt according to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Veggie-Loaded Option: Add in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition. Chop them up and toss them into the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- Creamy Alfredo Version: Instead of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, use Alfredo sauce as the base for a rich and creamy alternative. Just mix it with the chicken and continue with the recipe as usual.
- Make It Spicy: Go bold by incorporating spicy sausage or more diced green chilies. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for those who appreciate a kick.
- Low-Carb Twist: If you’re looking for a low-carb or keto-friendly variation, substitute regular spaghetti with zoodles (zucchini noodles). Just add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Cheesy Broccoli Addition: For some green flair, mix in steamed broccoli right before serving. This not only adds nutritional value but also color to your dish.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful dish made by cooking chicken, cheese, and spaghetti in a slow cooker. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
The overall cooking time is about 4 hours on low for the chicken and an additional 30 minutes on high to cook the spaghetti. Always check your chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just place everything in the slow cooker and set it to the cooking time.
Can I freeze leftovers of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I make it healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using low-fat cream soups, adding more veggies, or substituting pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also use less cheese or lower-fat alternatives.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use thighs for more flavor if desired.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with low-fat or homemade version.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup Can substitute with low-fat or homemade version.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Can use regular diced tomatoes for milder flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Adjust based on desired moisture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder For flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder For flavor.
- 1/2 tsp paprika For flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper For flavor.
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half) A standard spaghetti type.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Other cheese types can be used.
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed) For creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup on top.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, shred the chicken inside the cooker using two forks.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese, mixing gently.
- Add broken spaghetti to the slow cooker and mix again.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender.
- Stir to incorporate all flavors before serving.
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