CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti – This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a flavorful sauce all in the convenience of your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish as flavorful as CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti noodles; feel free to use whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a creamy base. Cream of mushroom soup can be used for a twist in flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce creamy and adds tang.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the spaghetti.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Spaghetti
- Avoid Overcooking: While the slow cooker does most of the work for you, keeping an eye on the texture of the chicken is crucial. Overcooked chicken can become dry. Opt for low and slow cooking whenever possible.
- Make It Thicker: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and stir well.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne, or Italian seasoning for extra depth.
- Cheese Options: Use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
Variations to Try
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun twists to the classic recipe:
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Mexican-Inspired: Mix in a can of black beans and corn for a southwestern twist. Top with avocado and crushed tortilla chips.
- Low-Carb Version: Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a keto-friendly meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add a bit of buffalo sauce to the mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf to mop up all the creamy sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus make excellent sides.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- In the Fridge: Store leftover CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just skip the slow-cooking step and add the shredded chicken when mixing in the cheeses.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and refrigerate them overnight. Cook everything the next day for a hassle-free meal.
What’s the best way to prevent spaghetti from getting mushy?
Cook the spaghetti al dente (firm to the bite) and stir it in right before serving to avoid a mushy texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan shredded cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream for the base sauce if needed.
How do I add more spice?
f you love spice, add extra diced jalapeños, use a spicy cheddar cheese, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce.
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti - This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a flavorful sauce all in the convenience of your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain)
- 4 oz cream cheese, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 package of spaghetti
Instructions
- Toss the chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning into your CrockPot.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and put it back into the CrockPot.
- Mix in the diced cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Cover and let it cook on low for another 20-30 minutes, until everything is melted and dreamy.
- While the cheese is doing its thing, cook your spaghetti to al dente following the package directions.
- Stir the cooked spaghetti into the CrockPot until fully coated. Serve warm, and get ready to watch your family fall in love!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 482Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 1358mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 34g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti is a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or on a busy weeknight, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and tips to make this recipe uniquely yours!
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