If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is your new go-to. Combining tender slow-cooked chicken, creamy cheese, zesty tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes dinner effortless and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or want tasty leftovers ready to go, this recipe is sure to become a favorite with its rich flavors and easy prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a role: the creamy soup enriches the sauce, the Rotel tomatoes add a subtle kick, and the cheddar cheese brings gooey deliciousness. Let’s look at exactly what you’ll need to make this magic happen.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The star protein, slow-cooked until tender and perfect for shredding.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and body to the sauce.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Gives just the right amount of zest and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses extra flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, gentle hint of garlic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory background of the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half: Pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors, making it hearty and filling.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness that brings everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to amp up the comfort factor.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot—this ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the wonderful flavors. Then, pour in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth right over the chicken. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to layer in plenty of savory goodness. This flavorful mixture will simmer together for hours, melding into a rich, tasty base.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and let everything cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time). The chicken will become ultra tender and soak up the delicious broth. This slow cooking method is what makes the chicken shreddable and the flavors so deep and satisfying.
Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken
After cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This step is so rewarding—there’s something comforting in shredding that tender meat and getting ready to mix it back into the sauce. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring it into that savory, creamy mixture.
Step 4: Add the Spaghetti
Next, add the uncooked spaghetti pieces straight into the crockpot. This is the genius part: the noodles will cook slowly in all that flavorful sauce. Stir everything well, making sure the strands are mostly submerged so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
Step 5: Final Pasta Cooking
Cover and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes until the pasta reaches tender perfection. It’s critical to check toward the end so that your spaghetti is just right – not mushy but soft enough to soak up all the creamy flavors.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Cream
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. This finishing touch melts into a rich, velvety sauce that wraps the entire dish in cheesy goodness. After stirring, let the cheese melt completely before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a gorgeous green pop and a fresh, mild herb flavor that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. If you want an extra kick, you could also toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This hearty Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls complete the meal, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual casserole dishes topped with extra cheese and broiled for a couple of minutes until bubbly and golden. You can also ladle it over a bed of sautéed spinach or mix it into a baked spaghetti pie for a party-ready presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the spaghetti might soften slightly after freezing, but the taste remains fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks too thick. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works best because of its shape and texture, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni are great alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Rotel diced tomatoes add a subtle mild heat, but this dish is generally quite gentle. You can increase spice by adding extra chili flakes, jalapeños, or using a spicier tomato variety.
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Add it during the last phase with the spaghetti, and cook until pasta is done. This cuts down cooking time significantly.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese can add similar creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust to taste as these options can be tangier or thicker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the spaghetti and cream of chicken soup. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to adapt it easily.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a true comfort food gem that combines ease, flavor, and heartwarming satisfaction. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without fuss, and it’s sure to become a beloved staple around your dinner table. Don’t wait to make it your own and share the cozy deliciousness with friends and family!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with flavorful spices, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and creamy cheese sauce. The pasta cooks directly in the crockpot, making dinner easy and hands-free while delivering a cheesy, satisfying dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken in crockpot: Arrange the 2 large chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot to serve as the base of the dish.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper as desired. This mixture will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Cook chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and easily shredded.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it evenly with the sauce.
- Add spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti, broken in half to fit, directly into the crockpot. Stir well to ensure the noodles are mostly submerged in the sauce and broth for even cooking.
- Cook pasta: Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the texture to prevent overcooking.
- Incorporate cheese and sour cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy, combining all flavors and creating a rich sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot straight from the crockpot for a hearty family meal.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the crockpot and cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers at the beginning.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on the saltiness of the soup and broth used.
- Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
