Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas with this incredible Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe! This dish is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy-to-make one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
To whip up this comforting and delicious Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll need the following:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Do not dilute.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Do not dilute.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Undrained, for a hint of spice and tang.
- 1 (5.2 oz) box Velveeta cheese: Cut into 1-inch cubes for easy melting.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Low sodium preferred, to control saltiness.
- 1 medium onion: Finely chopped.
- 1 green bell pepper: Diced.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Broken into thirds.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: Or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- ½ tsp salt: To taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For topping (optional, but highly recommended!).
- Fresh parsley or green onions: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Get ready for an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying meal with this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti! This recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it marvel, featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, creamy sauce, all made in one pot. With minimal prep time, you can have a comforting dinner ready to enjoy that tastes like it took hours.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfect Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti every time:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cubed chicken breasts, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, cubed Velveeta, chicken broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the prepared slow cooker.
- Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and the Velveeta is somewhat distributed. Don’t worry if it’s not fully melted yet.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the creamy sauce.
- Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles into thirds and add them to the slow cooker. Submerge the noodles as much as possible in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add another ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth to help cook the pasta.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and continue to cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked al dente. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Stir in Cheese: Once the spaghetti is cooked, give everything a final stir. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 5-10 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
You are going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for its sheer simplicity and incredibly satisfying flavor. The main feature is its creamy, cheesy texture, combined with tender chicken and al dente spaghetti, all bathed in a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Making this at home is not only a breeze but also a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering takeout, offering a hearty meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank. The blend of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, combined with the melty Velveeta and cheddar, creates a nuanced flavor that’s far from bland.
This dish stands out from a regular chicken casserole due to its “one-pot wonder” convenience and deeper, slow-cooked flavors. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for those nights when you crave comfort without the fuss. Don’t just dream about a delicious dinner; try this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti tonight and experience the magic for yourself!
What to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti With
This creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty meal all on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich, cheesy sauce. A warm, crusty bread adds a satisfying textural contrast.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the spaghetti. It adds a much-needed touch of brightness and cuts through the creaminess.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent additions. They add nutrition and a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Cornbread: For a Southern-inspired comfort meal, a slice of warm cornbread can be a delightful accompaniment.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: A light, effervescent drink can cleanse the palate beautifully, or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc if you’re looking for an adult beverage pairing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Achieving Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the crockpot is forgiving, cooking the chicken for too long before adding the pasta can make it dry. Aim for just cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Break Spaghetti Evenly: Breaking the spaghetti into thirds ensures it cooks more evenly and is easier to stir and serve. Whole strands can become a tangled mess in the slow cooker.
- Submerge Pasta Fully: After adding the spaghetti, make sure to submerge it as much as possible in the liquid. This is crucial for even cooking. If it seems too dry, a splash of extra chicken broth can help.
- Stir Occasionally After Adding Pasta: To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together or to the bottom of the slow cooker, give it a good stir every 10-15 minutes during its cooking phase.
- Customize Your Spice Level: The Rotel provides a mild kick. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the initial ingredients. For less heat, drain the Rotel before adding.
- Cheese Substitutions: If Velveeta isn’t your preference, you can experiment with a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Don’t Forget the Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions at the end not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating ensure your Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti remains delicious for future meals.
- Storage: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating (from Refrigerator): For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Alternatively, reheat larger portions gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed, until hot.
- Reheating (from Freezer): Thaw frozen Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers. For a quicker option, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, using shorter intervals and stirring frequently, until thoroughly heated. Again, a little liquid may be needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti truly is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering rich, creamy comfort with minimal effort. Its delicious flavors and set-it-and-forget-it nature make it an instant family favorite. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try; your taste buds (and your schedule!) will thank you.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti FAQs
Q1: Can I use different cuts of chicken?
A1: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more moist and flavorful result. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Q2: What if I don’t have Rotel?
A2: You can substitute an equal amount of regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies separately. Adjust the amount of green chilies to your preferred spice level.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: While this specific recipe is chicken-based, you could adapt it by omitting the chicken and using a plant-based protein substitute or additional vegetables. The flavor profile will change, but the creamy pasta base can still work.
Q4: My spaghetti seems too dry after cooking. What went wrong?
A4: This usually means there wasn’t enough liquid to fully cook the pasta. Ensure the spaghetti is mostly submerged in the sauce. You can always add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth when adding the noodles if the sauce seems too thick.
Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: To increase the heat, you can add extra diced green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the other ingredients.
Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese than Velveeta?
A6: While Velveeta provides a unique creamy texture to this dish, you can substitute it with 8 ounces of cream cheese along with an extra cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a similar, though slightly different, cheesy consistency. The flavor will be less “processed cheese” and more traditional.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add the cubed chicken breasts, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, cubed Velveeta, chicken broth, chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the prepared slow cooker.1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 (5.2 oz) box Velveeta cheese, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and the Velveeta is somewhat distributed. Don’t worry if it’s not fully melted yet.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low for 3 to 4 hours**, or on **high for 2 to 3 hours**, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the creamy sauce.
- Break the spaghetti noodles into thirds and add them to the slow cooker. Submerge the noodles as much as possible in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add another ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth to help cook the pasta.8 oz spaghetti
- Cover and continue to cook on **high for another 20 to 30 minutes**, or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked al dente. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, give everything a final stir. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 5-10 minutes, or until bubbly and melted.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!Fresh parsley or green onions
Notes
- **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** While the crockpot is forgiving, cooking the chicken for too long before adding the pasta can make it dry. Aim for just cooked through and easily shreddable.
- **Break Spaghetti Evenly:** Breaking the spaghetti into thirds ensures it cooks more evenly and is easier to stir and serve. Whole strands can become a tangled mess in the slow cooker.
- **Submerge Pasta Fully:** After adding the spaghetti, make sure to submerge it as much as possible in the liquid. This is crucial for even cooking. If it seems too dry, a splash of extra chicken broth can help.
- **Stir Occasionally After Adding Pasta:** To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together or to the bottom of the slow cooker, give it a good stir every 10-15 minutes during its cooking phase.
- **Customize Your Spice Level:** The Rotel provides a mild kick. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the initial ingredients. For less heat, drain the Rotel before adding.
- **Cheese Substitutions:** If Velveeta isn’t your preference, you can experiment with a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- **Add Veggies:** Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking to boost nutrition and flavor.
- **Don’t Forget the Garnish:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions at the end not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- **Storage:** Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- **Reheating (from Refrigerator):** For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Alternatively, reheat larger portions gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed, until hot.
- **Reheating (from Freezer):** Thaw frozen Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers. For a quicker option, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, using shorter intervals and stirring frequently, until thoroughly heated. Again, a little liquid may be needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.
