This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect dish for busy weeknights! With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spaghetti all cooked together, it’s a simple and tasty meal.
I love how I can just toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it until dinner. It’s an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table without much fuss. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker alternative, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too! Just add it in towards the end of cooking.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create the creamy base. If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream soup substitute. You can also use homemade versions if preferred!
Pasta: I typically use spaghetti noodles, but any pasta shape works. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta, keeping in mind it may require different cooking times.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic here, but mozzarella adds a nice stretch. Feel free to mix it up with your favorites! You can skip the cheese for a lighter version.
How Do You Cooking the Pasta Perfectly in a Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot requires some special attention to avoid mushiness. Here’s the trick:
- Always break the spaghetti noodles in half. This ensures they fit better and cook evenly.
- Add the pasta towards the end of cooking. After shredding the chicken, mix in the uncooked pasta and cover. This allows the pasta to absorb flavors without overcooking.
- Cook on high for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Check occasionally to see if the pasta is tender and give it a gentle stir.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful dish every time!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 4-5 hours to cook on low or 2-3 hours on high. After preparing everything in the crockpot, you can simply relax while it cooks, then enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Base:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will serve as the main protein and base for the dish.
2. Mixing the Sauces:
Next, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Add the chicken broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, and drained diced tomatoes over the chicken. Season everything with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for great flavor.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked through.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Shredding it allows it to mix more easily with the pasta and sauce!
5. Adding the Pasta:
Now, break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the crockpot, along with the shredded chicken. Stir everything well to make sure the noodles are coated with the sauce.
6. Finish Cooking the Dish:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally as needed to prevent sticking.
7. Cheese it Up:
Finally, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and is well combined into the mixture.
8. Serve it Warm:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy your warm, creamy, and comforting crockpot chicken spaghetti!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are evenly spaced out in the crockpot for even cooking. Just extend the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Soups?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, you can substitute them with a homemade white sauce (using butter, flour, and milk) or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level for a tasty kick!
