This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy nights! Just throw chicken, pasta, sauce, and cheese into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax.
With its creamy goodness and cheesy top, it’s a hit with everyone. I love that I can toss everything in and go about my day. Dinner has never been this easy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken because it saves time. If you don’t have it, any leftover chicken or even canned chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s shredded for even mixing.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is perfect, but you can swap it out for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may cook differently.
Soups: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups give a creamy texture. You can use any cream soup you like—there are even healthier versions available. If you’re avoiding cream soups, try a homemade sauce with milk and flour for thickening.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella provide a wonderful cheesiness. Feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds some spice, or you can use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky, but it’s all about timing! Make sure your pasta is broken before adding it, as this helps it cook evenly.
- After adding the pasta, stir well to cover it in the sauce so it cooks without drying out.
- Check the pasta about 15 minutes before the recommended cook time; it should be al dente, not mushy.
- If you find it’s too firm, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water and let it cook a bit longer.
Following these tips will help you achieve a creamy, cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti that’s a family favorite!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into halves or thirds
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
For Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and then you can just set your crockpot! It cooks for 3 to 4 hours on low or 1.5 to 2 hours on high. In total, you’ll spend just a bit of time getting everything into the pot and can enjoy a delicious meal later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help everything come out easily later!
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In the crockpot, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to make sure it’s nicely mixed.
3. Add the Spaghetti:
Next, break the spaghetti into smaller pieces—halves or thirds work well—and add it to the crockpot. Give it a good stir to make sure the pasta is covered with the mixture. This is key to cooking it evenly!
4. Cook to Perfection:
Now, cover your crockpot. Set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the spaghetti is tender and cooked through, so feel free to check it around the last half hour!
5. Melt the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This will make it wonderfully cheesy. Allow it to melt in!
6. Finish with More Cheese:
Once melted, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let the cheese melt for a few more minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a nice finishing touch, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if you wish. Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti!
This recipe is straightforward, creamy, and hearty—perfect for busy nights when you want dinner ready without much fuss!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. Cooking on low for about 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours should do the trick. Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a bit more chicken broth before cooking to keep things creamy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up, as pasta tends to absorb moisture.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Spaghetti?
This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoying it with a side of steamed vegetables adds a nice touch of freshness, too!
