This easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a warm and delightful dish! It features tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy sauce all cooked together for a hearty meal.
On busy days, this dish saves me! Just toss everything in the Crockpot, and let it work its magic. Perfect for those nights when you want comfort without the fuss! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken is an excellent alternative! Just shred it and add it in later in the cooking process.
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is used here, but you can easily swap it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just watch your cooking time as it may differ from traditional spaghetti!
Soups: If you want to avoid cream-based soups, consider using homemade white sauce or a dairy-free alternative. This can lighten the dish while keeping the flavors rich.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are the classic combo. For a twist, you can use pepper jack for a bit of spice, or even a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded and Flavored?
To elevate the flavors in your dish, shredding the chicken properly is key. Once the chicken is cooked and super tender, follow these tips:
- Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the Crockpot. This lets the chicken soak up all those delicious juices.
- Be gentle while shredding to avoid turning it into mush. You want nice, bite-sized pieces.
- Once shredded, stir it back into the sauce and let it meld together for a few minutes before adding the spaghetti.
This method brings every flavor together, ensuring your Chicken Spaghetti is not only enjoyable but absolutely tasty!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups uncooked spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the Crockpot. For the last 30-45 minutes, you’ll need to check in on the spaghetti cooking time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot. No need to chop them up just yet; they’ll get tender and shred easily later!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper. Stir well until everything is mixed together.
3. Pour It Over the Chicken:
Carefully pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crockpot. Make sure they are all covered with that tasty sauce!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the Crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to get really tender and cooked through.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot using tongs. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. It’s so tender it should fall apart easily!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken back into the Crockpot. Now, break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Give everything a good stir to mix it together.
7. Cook the Spaghetti:
Cover the Crockpot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when the spaghetti will cook and soak up all those delicious flavors!
8. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy.
9. Final Touches:
Give it a taste, and add salt and pepper as needed to suit your flavor preferences.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by about an hour on LOW or 30-45 minutes on HIGH. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To lighten the dish up, you can use whole wheat spaghetti or substitute some of the cream soups with low-fat versions. Adding more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, can also boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy while reheating.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even some cooked broccoli. You can also add extra spices, such as red pepper flakes for heat, to customize the flavor to your liking!
