Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Crockpot chicken spaghetti is a beloved comfort food classic that’s about to become your new go-to weeknight meal. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of traditional chicken spaghetti with a fraction of the work. Simply toss a few basic ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this crockpot chicken spaghetti apart is its unbeatable combination of convenience and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become deliciously tender and infused with the rich, creamy sauce, while the pasta soaks up all those comforting flavors. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new household favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
The beauty of this crockpot chicken spaghetti is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauces, and zesty tomatoes creates the Tex-Mex-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken spaghetti recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Step 6: Add the uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8.5 hours
Compared to traditional chicken spaghetti casserole, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this crockpot chicken spaghetti saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 956mg
These crockpot chicken spaghetti dishes provide approximately 74% of your daily protein requirements and 37% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🌱 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the spaghetti for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, as well as non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream substitutes.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add frozen or fresh broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 30% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the crockpot chicken spaghetti.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing iced tea.
• Complement with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a well-balanced plate.
• For a family-style gathering, serve the crockpot chicken spaghetti as the main dish alongside other crowd-pleasing items like a vegetable casserole and dinner rolls.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the seasonings: Ensure you use the full amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to achieve the desired flavor profile.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Take the time to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks for the best texture.
• Forgetting to let the cheese melt: Allow the crockpot to stand for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure the cheddar cheese melts evenly over the top.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These crockpot chicken spaghetti dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the crockpot ingredients (except the pasta) in a disposable aluminum pan or freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the uncooked spaghetti and proceed with the cooking instructions.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked crockpot chicken spaghetti to cool completely, then portion into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients (except the pasta) in the crockpot, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to serve, add the uncooked spaghetti and proceed with the cooking instructions.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti for other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this crockpot chicken spaghetti gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, as well as substitute the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta option like brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What if my chicken isn’t fully cooked?
If the chicken isn’t shredding easily after the initial cooking time, simply cover the crockpot and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until the chicken is fall-apart tender. The longer cooking time will ensure the chicken is cooked through and easy to shred.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in frozen or fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking time to ensure they don’t become overcooked.
🏁 Conclusion
These crockpot chicken spaghetti dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, comforting texture and Tex-Mex-inspired taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these crockpot chicken spaghetti dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic of a restaurant-quality meal that practically makes itself?
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
