Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting meal at the end of a long day? If your answer is a big “yes,” you’re in for a treat with this simple yet mouth-watering Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti. This recipe comes together effortlessly, thanks to your trusty slow cooker, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when time is just not on your side. With melt-in-your-mouth chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is sure to please everyone around your dinner table.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
There’s something special about a slow-cooked meal, especially when it hits all the right notes of flavor and comfort. This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is not just another pasta dish; it’s a wholesome meal that covers all the bases—protein, carbs, and creamy goodness—all in one pot.
The flavors meld beautifully as the chicken simmers in the creamy sauce, with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning that bring everything together. Best of all, the clean-up is minimal. You only have one pot to wash afterward, which is a huge plus for busy cooks.
Enjoying a hearty meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With ingredients likely already in your pantry and fridge, this recipe is incredibly accessible. Plus, it’s customizable based on your preferences and what you have on hand! Whether you love a kick of heat or prefer it milder, this dish has you covered.
Ingredients About Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
For this delightful dish, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients to get started:
- 1.75 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans of non-fat cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese (or cream cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approximately 5-6 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
These ingredients marry together effortlessly to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. You’ll savor every bite of this hearty meal!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Directions
Making Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful dish.
Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms the foundation of your dish and allows the chicken to soak in all that delicious flavor.
Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour the cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes (in all their juicy glory) over the chicken. You’re creating a savory base that will make your chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Season It Up: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will elevate the dish tremendously, so don’t skimp on them!
Let it Cook: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. The low and slow approach allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. It should fall apart easily if cooked correctly.
Incorporate the Cheese: Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot along with the Neufchâtel and mozzarella cheese. Cover the slow cooker once again and let it cook on low for 20-30 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and mix into the sauce.
Cook the Spaghetti: While the cheese is melting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure not to overcook it—al dente is best!
Combine Everything: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, stir in the cooked spaghetti into the crockpot mixture. Toss everything together until it’s well combined.
Garnish and Serve: For an added kick, consider topping your dish with red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
And just like that, your beautifully creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Serving Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful experience. As you scoop the creamy, cheesy pasta onto plates, be prepared to indulge in a comforting dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
This meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers with friends. Pair your spaghetti with a fresh green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. You might also consider serving some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side for that extra touch of comfort.
When it comes to presentation, feel free to get creative. Serve the spaghetti in large bowls or on plates, topped with freshly chopped parsley or additional cheese. If your guests enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes offers a fantastic finishing touch.
Remember, the key to feeling satisfied with this dish is the comforting blend of gooey cheese and tender chicken, all wrapped around perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Creating the perfect Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is easy with a few expert tips in mind:
Season Generously: Flavor is King! Don’t hesitate to season your chicken and the sauce well, as this greatly enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Shredding the Chicken: For the best shredding, use two forks or even a hand mixer on low speed for a quick alternative. This ensures the chicken is uniformly shredded and easily incorporated back into the sauce.
Cheese Choices: While Neufchâtel cheese is a great option, you can substitute it with regular cream cheese if you prefer. The mozzarella adds creaminess, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Parmesan.
Watch Your Cooking Time: Make sure to keep an eye on your slow cooker, as cooking times can vary based on the appliance model. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so sticking to the recommended time is crucial.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
If you happen to have leftovers (a rarity, we know!), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy them later. Allow the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, why not freeze some portions? You can transfer it to freezer-safe containers and keep it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
One of the joys of recipes like Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is their versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
Vegetable Additions: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach while cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give your dish a bit of heat.
Swap the Pasta: If you prefer a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or oregano to give the dish a fresh twist.
FAQ Section
What is Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious and creamy pasta dish made with chicken, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, and cheese, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It’s a perfect comfort meal that’s easy to prepare.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but be sure to cook it longer—typically, an additional hour on high or two hours on low. Just ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
You can serve this dish with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1.75 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans non-fat cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz each
- 1 can diced tomatoes 10 oz, do not drain
- 8 oz Neufchâtel cheese or cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic approximately 5-6 cloves
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and diced tomatoes over the chicken.
- Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Add Neufchâtel cheese and mozzarella cheese into the slow cooker, cover, and let it melt for 20-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once cheese is melted, stir in the cooked spaghetti until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese if desired.
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