This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is your best friend on busy nights! Just toss in chicken, spaghetti, and your favorite sauce, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
You’ll love how hands-off this meal is. I often set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for me. Who doesn’t like a home-cooked meal without the fuss?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. However, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier option. If you have leftover cooked chicken, that works too—just add it later during cooking!
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is great, but you can swap it for any pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli. Just remember, cooking times may vary a bit, so check for doneness.
Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups add richness. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat versions. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream can be an interesting alternative!
Sour Cream: Sour cream gives a lovely creaminess. If you want a healthier twist, Greek yogurt works as a nice substitute without losing that creamy texture.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites could add exciting flavors.
How to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in the Crockpot?
A common challenge with crockpot recipes is cooking pasta properly. To get it just right, follow these easy steps:
- After shredding the chicken, break uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the pot.
- Cook on high for 30-45 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more chicken broth or water as needed.
Timing is key, so take notes for next time!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This ensures they cook nicely and infuse into the dish.
2. Add Vegetables:
Top the chicken with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper if you’re using it. This adds a lovely flavor and texture!
3. Mix the Sauces:
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, chili powder, black pepper, and salt until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot. Make sure it covers them well.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This is the best way to get it nice and juicy!
7. Add the Pasta:
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the crockpot along with the shredded chicken. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
8. Finish Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
9. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is done, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and everything is mixed well.
10. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is where you can make it perfect for you!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with any remaining cheese and fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a real delight, making dinner hassle-free and packed with flavor! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it on high for at least 4-5 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Thawing the chicken first is recommended for best results!
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with another can of cream of chicken soup or use homemade white sauce for a lighter option. Just add some seasonings to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little bit of broth if it seems too thick.
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can be used for a healthier option. If you’re going gluten-free, make sure to adjust the cooking times as gluten-free pasta may cook faster!
