This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Just toss in chicken, spaghetti, and sauce, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Seriously, who doesn’t love a simple meal that tastes like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen? Plus, your house will smell amazing while it cooks! I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and easy texture. You can swap in boneless thighs if you prefer a richer flavor, or even use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Spaghetti: While I use traditional spaghetti, feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check frequently to avoid overcooking.
Cream of Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups give a tasty base. If you’re avoiding certain ingredients, try homemade versions or a creamy alternative like coconut milk or a vegan cream soup.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are my favorite duo. If you’d like to keep it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese or substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Spices: I like using dried Italian seasoning for convenience. If you’re fresh out, just toss in a mix of basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. It’ll work wonders too!
How Do I Get the Pasta Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
The key to a perfect pasta texture in this recipe is making sure the noodles are cooked just right. Once your chicken is shredded and stirred back in, add the spaghetti to the crockpot and keep a close eye on it.
- Make sure your pasta is fully submerged in the soup mixture for even cooking.
- Cook on high for 30-45 minutes—start checking at the 30-minute mark to see if your noodles are tender.
- If you notice the mixture getting too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to help the pasta cook through.
Stir gently to combine and enjoy that creamy, comforting goodness!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta (broken in half)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and then you’ll need 6 hours on low in the crockpot (or 3 hours on high). After the chicken is shredded, you’re only 30-45 minutes away from digging in—perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help everything cook evenly and make clean-up a breeze.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They will soak up all the flavorful goodness as they cook.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Pour Over Chicken:
Carefully pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure to cover the chicken completely with the sauce.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. This adds a lovely texture to the dish!
7. Add the Pasta:
Add the broken spaghetti into the crockpot, stirring it gently into the sauce to ensure the noodles are submerged. This helps them cook properly.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the spaghetti mixture—because cheese makes everything better!
9. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Combine & Season:
Once cooked, stir everything gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
11. Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken spaghetti!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite—enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time if you’re using frozen chicken breasts. Make sure they are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely! You can use homemade cream soups or opt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk mixed with cornstarch for thickening. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy chicken spaghetti is delicious on its own! However, you can pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. Enjoy!
