This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy nights! Just throw chicken, spaghetti, and sauce in the pot and let it cook. Your home will smell amazing!
I love how little effort this takes. It’s a one-pot wonder! Serve it with a side salad, and dinner is ready without the fuss. Trust me, leftovers taste even better! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too! They add a slightly richer flavor.
Pasta: I use spaghetti, but you can swap it for other pasta types like rotini or fettuccine. Just make sure they are broken into suitable lengths for cooking.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a creamy base. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut cream or a dairy-free cream soup substitute.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for a different flavor. Vegan cheese also works if you’re avoiding dairy!
Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add flavor. You can add mushrooms or even spinach for extra nutrition. Fresh or frozen both work!
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken well is crucial. To achieve this, always ensure it’s fully cooked and tender. Follow these tips:
- Use two forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot. This keeps it moist and allows it to soak up more flavor.
- If you prefer, shred the chicken on a cutting board using your hands but be careful as it’ll be hot!
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and hard to shred.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Spaghetti?
Cooking spaghetti in the crockpot is simple but requires attention:
- Break the pasta before adding it, so it fits nicely in the pot.
- Ensure it’s pushed down into the sauce; this helps it cook evenly without getting clumpy.
- After adding the spaghetti, check it for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a great balance of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite for busy nights! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 jar (16 ounces) spaghetti sauce (marinara or your favorite)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. You’ll love how you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your flavorful dish!
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, the jar of spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well blended.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Take the sauce mixture and pour it over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Add Vegetables:
Sprinkle the chopped onion and optional diced bell pepper over the sauce and chicken. This will add extra flavor and texture to your dish!
5. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender so it can easily be shredded.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it back to the crockpot.
7. Add the Spaghetti:
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the crockpot, ensuring they are nestled into the sauce.
8. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot and stir until everything is combined. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the spaghetti noodles are tender.
9. Melt the Remaining Cheese:
Stir everything well after cooking, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt deliciously.
10. Garnish and Serve:
To make your dish extra special, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. This adds a nice touch of color and flavor!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti made effortlessly in the crockpot—perfect for busy nights!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just extend the cooking time to about 8-9 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH to ensure they are completely cooked through.
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with a homemade cream sauce or a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them finely, and you can stir them in during the last hour of cooking to keep them tender yet crisp!
