If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that simply requires tossing a few ingredients into a slow cooker, then Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is your go-to recipe. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in creamy soups and zesty tomatoes, combined with rich cheddar cheese and spaghetti to create a warm and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Why We Love This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is not only incredibly delicious but also a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, creamy dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours of preparation. Plus, the use of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the meal cooks. Whether you’re feeding kids after school, entertaining guests, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- 2 – 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Directions
To start your culinary adventure, preparation is key. Begin by prepping your chicken and base. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup on top. This creates a creamy base that will make the chicken flavorful and tender.
Next, bring on the added flavors! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a kick, followed by the chicken broth to keep things moist during cooking. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to infuse the dish with savory notes. These seasonings work together to create a delightful aroma as your meal cooks.
Once everything is in place, cover the crockpot, set it to low, and let it work its magic. You really don’t need to check on it frequently; just let the slow cooker do the job for about 4 hours. When you return, you will be greeted by the tantalizing scent wafting through your kitchen.
After the chicken has cooked and is nice and tender, it’s time to shred it. Open the crockpot and use two forks to shred the chicken right inside. This will help it absorb all the creamy goodness and spices.
Now comes the cheesy part! Add in the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese. Stir gently to combine these cheeses with the chicken mixture, allowing them to melt into a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.
Next, it’s time to add the spaghetti. You will want to break the spaghetti in half to make it easier to fit in the crockpot. Add it to the mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece of spaghetti is coated with that creamy goodness. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or until the spaghetti is tender. This allows the noodles to soak up all that incredible flavor.
Once it’s done cooking, give the pot a final stir, ensuring everything is well combined. Your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Serving Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a breeze. Grab your favorite bowls and scoop a generous portion for each person. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even additional cheese if you desire. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any remaining creamy sauce.
For family dinners, you can serve it directly from the slow cooker to the table, keeping it warm for seconds. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make each bite satisfying and you’ll find that everyone comes back for more.
Consider setting up a DIY topping bar. Provide options like extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream for those who enjoy customizing their meals. This interactive element not only makes serving fun but also adds a personal touch to each bowl.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
To ensure you master this recipe, here are some expert tips:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure your slow cooker is not overfilled. If you notice that you have a lot of ingredients, consider using a larger crockpot or cooking in two batches.
- Use Quality Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can also work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. If you have a cheese blend or prefer pepper jack for a little heat, don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Select the Right Tomatoes: Using diced tomatoes with green chilies adds a nice kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose regular diced tomatoes and adjust with fresh herbs for flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Times: Depending on your slow cooker model, cooking times may vary. Make sure to keep an eye on things to achieve that perfect balance of tender chicken and al dente spaghetti.
How to Store Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Storing any leftovers from your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is easy. Allow the dish to cool fully before transferring it to an airtight container. It can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Divide the pasta into individual servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date, as they can stay good frozen for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Variations of Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
There are countless ways to customize your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can still follow the same cooking instructions, making for a hearty vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicy flavor, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your mixture. This will add an exciting dimension to your spaghetti.
- Loaded Spaghetti: Incorporate extra toppings directly into the meal by adding cooked and crumbled sausage, cooked shrimp, or veggies like spinach and kale in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you want to experiment with different pasta types, feel free to switch out spaghetti for other varieties, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different pastas may require varying time frames.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, hearty dish made with chicken breasts, creamy soups, zesty tomatoes, spaghetti, and cheese, all combined in a slow cooker for a simple meal.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
Typically, it takes about 4 hours on low in the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours, but ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I serve with Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy spaghetti.
Are there any left overs, and how should I store them?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving again.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base
- 2-3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz, like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup on top.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours.
Shredding the Chicken
- After 4 hours, shred the chicken inside the crockpot with two forks.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese to the mixture.
- Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and combined.
Adding the Pasta
- Add the broken spaghetti to the mixture and stir thoroughly to coat.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender.
Serving
- Give the pot a final stir and serve in bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese as desired.
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