Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe for Busy Nights

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute!

Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try low-fat versions or swap them for cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative!

Pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta you like. Penne or fusilli work well too. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you’re using different shapes.

Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack add richness. Feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for some heat. Vegan cheese works if you’re avoiding dairy!

How Do You Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in a Crockpot?

Cooking pasta in the crockpot requires a bit of attention to get it just right. Here’s how to make sure your spaghetti doesn’t turn mushy:

• After shredding the chicken, break the uncooked spaghetti in half. This helps the pasta integrate with the other ingredients more easily.
• Add it to the crockpot and stir. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce to cook evenly.
• Cook on high for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally. If it looks dry, add extra chicken broth or a splash of water.
• Test the pasta for doneness. It should be tender but not overcooked; keep in mind it will continue to soften as it sits.

With a little patience, you’ll have delicious chicken spaghetti that’s perfectly cooked!

Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 2 lbs 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 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, and then you can let the crockpot do the work. It needs to cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus an additional 30-45 minutes at the end to cook the pasta. So, you can have a delicious dinner ready in about 6 hours from start to finish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base layer for all your delicious ingredients.

2. Mix in the Ingredients:

Now, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, drained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chili powder (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently stir everything together to combine it well around the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken is ready when it’s tender and fully cooked through.

4. Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and then return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

5. Add the Pasta:

Take the uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them in half. Add them to the crockpot, mixing everything together to ensure the pasta gets covered in that tasty sauce.

6. Cook the Pasta:

Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it, and if it looks a little dry, stir in some more chicken broth or water.

7. Mix in the Cheese:

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix until they’re melted and the dish looks creamy and delicious!

8. Adjust Seasonings:

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. A little extra chili powder can add a nice kick!

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Dish out your creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Enjoy this comforting meal without all the fuss!

This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy nights—just set it and forget it!

FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, make sure to cook it on high for at least 5-6 hours to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. However, thawed chicken cooks more evenly and faster, enhancing the flavor.

What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?

If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soups, you can make a homemade version using a roux (butter, flour, and broth) combined with milk or non-dairy milk. Alternatively, try using a can of Alfredo sauce for a different flavor twist!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth to bring back some creaminess.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! You can add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them and add them to the crockpot alongside your other ingredients. If using quicker-cooking veggies like spinach, add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.