When you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a winner. Packed with tender chicken, creamy soup base, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing dinner for a crowd, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
To make this creamy, comforting chicken spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients: For the base, use 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup, 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can (10 oz) of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 cup of chicken broth. For seasoning, have 1 small diced onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder on hand. You will also need 8 oz of cream cheese, softened, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, use 12 oz of spaghetti pasta and salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
Start by placing the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic powder, and onion powder into your crockpot. Stir the ingredients to combine them evenly. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors from the sauces and spices, making it even more delicious. After shredding the chicken, add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
While the chicken and cheese are blending into a creamy sauce, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then add it to the crockpot. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and chicken mixture, making sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Let the mixture cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up a bit.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Once the dish is ready, serve it up hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
For an even richer flavor, you can substitute the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with their low-fat or reduced-sodium counterparts. This can help make the dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. If you want to add some extra veggies, consider throwing in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach while cooking the chicken. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less of the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.
If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, use full-fat cream cheese and a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for an extra creamy texture. If you prefer a bit of a crunch, you can garnish the dish with some chopped green onions or fresh parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is filling on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or some crispy roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. A side of garlic bread will complement the creaminess of the spaghetti, and a fresh, crisp salad will add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. If you’re in the mood for something extra, serve it with a cold beverage like iced tea or a glass of white wine.
Storage and Reheating
This dish makes great leftovers and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, place the chicken spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture if needed.
For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy chicken spaghetti for up to 2-3 months. Simply transfer the cooled spaghetti to a freezer-safe container, and make sure to label it with the date. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. They will add a slightly richer flavor and remain moist during the cooking process. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and place them in the crockpot the night before, then cook it the next day. This is perfect for busy mornings when you want to have dinner ready by the time you get home.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition. You can sauté them first for added depth of flavor or simply toss them in with the other ingredients.
Can I use other types of cheese?
While cheddar is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Just make sure to use cheese that melts well.
Conclusion
The Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a simple yet comforting meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking. The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices makes this dish a family favorite that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this crockpot recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that will become your go-to comfort food!
PrintCreamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Description
A comforting, creamy pasta dish with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and savory spices, cooked effortlessly in a crockpot.
Ingredients
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 oz spaghetti pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Place chicken, soups, Rotel, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic powder, and onion powder in a crockpot. Stir to combine.
2️⃣ Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
3️⃣ Shred chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
4️⃣ Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
5️⃣ Cook spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and add to the crockpot.
6️⃣ Stir well, and let cook on low for 10-15 minutes.
7️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.