Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: With minimal preparation, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime.
- Flavorful: The combination of aromatic vegetables, Italian seasoning, and a rich tomato sauce infuses the dish with robust flavors.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 pounds skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Fresh parsley, dill, or basil for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Base: In a slow cooker, combine diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the mixture, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Cook Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is al dente.
- Serve: Once the spaghetti is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped herbs and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3.5-4 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 6.5-7.5 hours
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese before adding the spaghetti for a creamy texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian seasoning to elevate the heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
FAQs
How can I prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy spaghetti, add the pasta during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and monitor its texture closely.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used; however, thighs tend to remain juicier during slow cooking.
Is it necessary to cook the spaghetti separately?
No, the spaghetti cooks directly in the slow cooker, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar can enhance the creaminess of the dish.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What other types of pasta can I use?
Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni can be used as alternatives to spaghetti.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next day.
How do I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?
Let the dish sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
Can I add cream to the sauce?
Yes, adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can create a richer sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this spaghetti?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements this dish nicely.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile and comforting meal that brings together the ease of slow cooking with the satisfaction of a hearty pasta dish. Its adaptability and rich flavors make it a family favorite that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting slow-cooked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich tomato-based sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3.5-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6.5-7.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker Recipes, Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 lbs skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- Fresh parsley, dill, or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base – In a slow cooker, combine diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add Chicken – Place the chicken thighs in the mixture, ensuring they are submerged.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Cook Spaghetti – Break the spaghetti in half, add it to the slow cooker, stir to coat, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- For a cheesy version, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar before adding spaghetti.
- To prevent mushy pasta, monitor the spaghetti closely during cooking.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian seasoning.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti.
