I absolutely love sharing this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe because it’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that really hits the spot after a busy day. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender shredded chicken and that perfect hint of spice from Rotel tomatoes makes this recipe a definite crowd-pleaser in my house. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up something special on a chilly evening, this recipe is an easy go-to that never disappoints.
When I first tried this, I was blown away by how hands-off it was—just toss everything in the crockpot, let it do its magic, and your kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma. You’ll find that Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is also fantastic for busy families or anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal fuss. Plus, the cheesy finish is always a hit with everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just add ingredients to your crockpot and let it do all the work while you go about your day.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, with just the right amount of spice, it’s the perfect cozy meal.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!
- Flexible Ingredients: Easy swaps make it adaptable to what you have on hand or prefer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender shredded chicken and spaghetti. I usually grab a mix of spices and canned soups that keep things simple but packed with flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy base that gives the sauce its comforting texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the sauce—don’t skip this!
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor beyond what powders can do alone.
- Onion powder: A handy pantry staple that deepens the savory notes.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and a pop of color.
- Garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in herbal whispers that brighten the dish.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with chiles: Brings a little spicy zing and moisture to balance the creaminess.
- Chicken breast: The star protein that gets tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Spaghetti: Cooked al dente, it soaks up the sauce without getting mushy.
- Shredded cheese (I use Colby jack): Melts into gooey perfection that brings everything together.
Variations
I like to tweak this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to make it your own—there are so many ways to customize this dish, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Soup Swap: I once swapped cream of chicken for cream of mushroom, and it gave a lovely earthiness that my husband loved.
- Cheese Choices: Mixing mozzarella with cheddar can give it a different melt and flavor profile I’m fond of.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach near the end for a veggie boost that blends right in.
- Spice it Up: If you like it hotter, extra Rotel or a splash of hot sauce amps up the heat just how you like it.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base
Start by adding the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the entire can of undrained Rotel tomatoes to your crockpot. Give it a good stir until everything is fairly combined—don’t worry if the cream cheese chunks don’t fully dissolve yet, they’ll melt as it cooks. This step sets a flavorful, creamy foundation that makes all the difference.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Cook Low and Slow
Place your chicken breasts into the mixture, making sure they’re nestled and covered by the sauce. This slow cooking at low for 4 to 5 hours is magical—it makes the chicken juicy and shreddable without any fuss. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often! Cooking low and slow is key to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Cook Spaghetti Until Al Dente
While your chicken cooks, boil your spaghetti according to the package directions but stop just before it’s fully soft—al dente is perfect. Drain it and set it aside. I always do this just before the chicken is ready so everything comes together smoothly without any noodles getting mushy.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Mix Everything Together
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks—it’s so satisfying how effortlessly it falls apart. Stir it into the sauce so every tender strand is coated. Then add cooked spaghetti and shredded cheese; stir one more time, cover, and let it rest for about 10 minutes so the cheese melts into that creamy, bubbly bliss.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, add salt and pepper to taste. I always recommend tasting as you go here because everyone’s preference is different. Once seasoned, dish it out and watch your family smile—they’ll thank you for making this delicious, comforting Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti just until al dente prevents it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Cream Cheese Chunks: Cutting cream cheese into chunks helps it melt evenly and prevents clumps in your sauce.
- Shred Chicken in Pot: Shredding chicken directly in the crockpot saves cleanup and keeps all the juices in the dish.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist opening the crockpot too often—slow cooker magic happens when heat and moisture stay trapped.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for a little garnish that looks inviting and adds extra flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a few crushed tortilla chips on top for a fun crunch that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
For sides, I often go with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness of the spaghetti. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls work beautifully too and help soak up any leftover sauce—trust me, no one leaves sauce behind!
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to present this recipe is scooping it into individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party. It feels special and keeps portions tidy. Also, layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a baked finish adds a golden crust that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually find the flavors deepen overnight. It reheats really well, and sometimes I add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce as it warms.
Freezing
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe freezes nicely too—just portion it into freezer-safe containers before adding the cheese. Avoid freezing with cheese mixed in, as it can change texture when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, I usually microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel or warm gently on the stove adding a little water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. Stir gently until warmed through and add a little fresh cheese on top if you want it extra melty.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts—but expect the cook time to extend by about an hour to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender. For best results, I recommend thawing chicken overnight beforehand, which helps with even cooking.
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What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works equally well and adds a nice twist. You can also make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth if you prefer a fresher taste.
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Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! The Rotel tomatoes already add a mild kick, but you can increase spice by adding more diced chilis, a splash of hot sauce, or some crushed red pepper flakes. Just adjust to your spice tolerance.
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Do I have to use spaghetti noodles?
Not at all. While spaghetti is traditional, penne, rotini, or any pasta you like will work. Just keep the cooking times for your chosen pasta in mind to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is one of those comforting meals I go back to time and again, especially when I want something satisfying without a ton of prep. It’s versatile, forgiving, and genuinely delicious—perfect for busy weeks and special family dinners alike. I hope you’ll try it out and enjoy how it fills your home with warmth and flavor as much as mine does!
PrintCrockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy and comforting Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and a blend of spices. Tossed with spaghetti and melted shredded cheese, it’s a perfect hands-off meal ideal for busy days or cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with chiles, undrained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
- 10 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In the crockpot, add the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese chunks, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and undrained Rotel tomatoes. Stir the mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Add and Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are covered by the sauce mixture. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken and Mix: After cooking, shred the chicken breasts directly in the crockpot with two forks, mixing it well into the sauce.
- Combine Spaghetti and Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together, then cover with the lid and let it sit for 10 minutes on the warm setting to allow the cheese to fully melt.
- Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy chicken spaghetti!
Notes
- Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 total recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg