Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy, hands-off recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering a rich and creamy dish with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Let the crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
• Family-friendly: Creamy and cheesy, it’s a dish kids and adults will both enjoy.
• Versatile: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
• One-pot wonder: Minimal dishes mean less cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• Cream cheese
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Spaghetti
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the base ingredients: Pour the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
5. Add cream cheese and cheddar: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and well incorporated.
6. Cook the spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot. Stir to submerge it in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is cooked.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high), plus 15-20 minutes for spaghetti
• Total time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable-packed: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Mexican-inspired: Add taco seasoning and top with sliced jalapeños or avocado.
• Bacon upgrade: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it during the final 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Traditional spaghetti works great, but you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?

Add the spaghetti toward the end of cooking and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then add the spaghetti and reheat just before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

Substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce.

Can I cook the spaghetti separately?

Yes, cook the spaghetti on the stovetop and stir it into the crockpot just before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

The diced tomatoes with green chilies add mild heat. Use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough, doubling works perfectly for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print