This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for those busy nights! Just toss chicken, pasta, and your favorite sauce into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is a must for tenderness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use thighs or even precooked rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Spaghetti Pasta: Regular spaghetti works well, but you can swap it for whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
Cream of Mushroom & Chicken Soups: These are key for creaminess and flavor. If you want a lighter option, look for low-fat versions. For a healthier twist, consider making homemade cream soup alternatives using milk and flour or cornstarch.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are great for melting and flavor. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a kick or use dairy-free cheese if you’re keeping it plant-based.
Onions and Bell Peppers: They add richness and a little crunch. Feel free to use shallots or even green onions if you prefer milder flavors. You can skip the bell pepper entirely if you’re not a fan!
How Do You Shred Chicken Like a Pro?
Shredding the chicken is a crucial step that brings everything together! Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull apart the meat. Hold one fork steady and use the other to shred.
- If you like, you can also use a hand mixer at low speed. Just make sure to do this carefully to avoid splattering!
After shredding, mix it back into the sauce to ensure it soaks up all that delicious flavor.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. After that, it requires an additional 30 to 45 minutes to cook the spaghetti in the crockpot. So, overall, you’re looking at around 6 hours for a low cook time and 4.5 hours for high!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps them cook nicely and soak in all those flavors!
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir it until everything is nicely blended.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour that delicious soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Next, sprinkle the chopped onion and diced bell pepper on top if you’re using them. Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook!
4. Shred the Chicken:
After 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, your chicken should be tender. Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Don’t worry if it looks messy—it’s going to taste amazing!
5. Add the Pasta:
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and toss them into the crockpot with the shredded chicken. Give everything a good stir to make sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed in.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking together.
7. Cheese It Up:
Once the pasta is tender, stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Yay for cheesy goodness!
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings to your liking. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you’d like.
This comforting Chicken Spaghetti is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious, hassle-free weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just ensure they are arranged in a single layer at the bottom. However, be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure they fully cook through.
Can I Substitute the Pasta or Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer! For cheese, feel free to use a mix of your favorites, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or dairy-free cheese options for a plant-based version.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Spaghetti?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before, then store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot in the morning and cook as instructed. It’s a great time-saver for busy days!
