Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep work, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime.
- Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in juicy chicken and a rich, savory sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs by incorporating different vegetables, spices, or pasta types.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a slight kick and depth of flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Enhances the umami flavor profile.
- Onion: Diced, for aromatic sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Provides a robust garlic flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the dish.
- Cream Cheese: Cubed, for added creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy finish.
- Spaghetti: The pasta base of the dish.
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the cheeses are melting, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the slow cooker, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or by adding red pepper flakes.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to suit your taste preferences.
- Pasta Alternatives: Substitute spaghetti with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or other shapes like penne or fusilli.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place cooled spaghetti in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger quantities on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal due to their tenderness and ease of shredding after slow cooking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes with 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes; however, the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Is it possible to cook the pasta in the slow cooker with the sauce?
While some recipes suggest adding uncooked pasta directly to the slow cooker, it's recommended to cook the spaghetti separately to ensure it reaches the desired texture and to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free spaghetti or your preferred gluten-free pasta alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes for cream cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?
To avoid curdling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker, and stir continuously until it's fully incorporated.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat until the chicken is cooked through, then proceed with shredding the chicken and adding the cheeses and cooked pasta.
What side dishes pair well with crockpot chicken spaghetti?
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it cook uncovered for a short time to reduce and thicken.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile and comforting meal that brings together the ease of slow cooking with the classic flavors of spaghetti. Its adaptability allows you to tailor the ingredients to your preferences, making it a family favorite that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this dish any night of the week!
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting and Convenient Meal
A rich, creamy, and flavorful Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti made with tender shredded chicken, a cheesy tomato-based sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy nights and delivers a comforting meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Add chicken, diced tomatoes, soups, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred with forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully melted.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti separately according to package instructions. Drain.
- Combine & Serve: Add spaghetti to the slow cooker, stirring well to coat with sauce. Serve hot!
Notes
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spice Level: Use mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies for heat control.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
