SPREAD LOVE

Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Craving a delightful dish that combines comfort and convenience? Look no further than this Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti recipe! This mouthwatering meal not only fills your kitchen with appetizing aromas but also promises to be a family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy goodness enveloping juicy chicken and tender pasta, it’s truly a dish that gathers people around the table with warmth and satisfaction.

Why Make This Recipe

Super easy weeknight meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
Packed with flavors everyone will love, making it perfect for the family dinner table.
The ultimate comfort food, ideal for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish that wows your guests, this cheesy chicken spaghetti is your answer.

Simple Way to Prepare Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! This step-by-step guide breaks down the recipe into easy-to-follow steps so you can achieve creamy, cheesy perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious meal, you will need the following ingredients:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ yellow onion, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
4 oz cream cheese, diced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 (16 oz) package spaghetti, broken into 2-3 inch pieces

Directions

Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry. Season generously with your preferred seasonings.
Sear Chicken (Optional): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer chicken pieces to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced yellow onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Prepare Sauce Base: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning until well combined.
Slow Cook Chicken & Sauce: Carefully pour the creamy, seasoned sauce mixture over the chicken and sautéed aromatics in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreddable.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the creamy sauce and stir well to combine.
Cook Spaghetti: While the chicken is cooking or after shredding, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti, broken into 2-3 inch pieces. Cook according to package directions until al dente or slightly undercooked (about 1-2 minutes less). Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.
Combine Spaghetti and Cheese: Gently add the drained, slightly undercooked spaghetti to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Add 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the diced cream cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is mostly melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Final Slow Cook: Even out the top of the spaghetti mixture in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for another 30-60 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and the spaghetti is heated through and has absorbed more of the sauce.
Rest and Serve: Once done, let the spaghetti rest in the slow cooker for about 10-15 minutes with the lid slightly ajar to allow the sauce to thicken. Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese if desired.

Keeping Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Fresh

To ensure your cheesy chicken spaghetti remains delicious even after the meal, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. It’s best to store it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy your leftovers, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

The joy of serving this cheesy chicken spaghetti is that it goes So well with various sides and garnishes. Here are several ideas to elevate your dish:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside freshly baked or toasted garlic bread for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy spaghetti.
Green Salad: A refreshing green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta and chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: Brightly colored steamed vegetables such as broccoli or carrots add a splash of color and nutrition to the table.
Toppings Galore: Provide toppings such as fresh parsley, chives, or extra cheese for guests to customize their servings.

Quick Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Use Quality Ingredients: It’s worth it to choose good-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
No Need to Boil First: Since the spaghetti gets cooked with the sauce in the slow cooker, you can add it directly without pre-boiling.
Customize Spices: Don’t hold back on the spices! Feel free to add crushed red pepper for heat or extra Italian herbs for depth.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to customize the recipe, here are a couple of ideas:

Swap the Protein: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken can offer convenience without compromising on flavor.
Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with your favorite meat substitute and replace the chicken broth in the soup with vegetable broth.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce base a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slow cook. Just add the spaghetti in when you’re close to serving.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs are a great option if you’re looking for more flavor and moisture. They will cook beautifully in the slow cooker.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To add some heat, incorporate additional diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into your sauce mixture.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?

Substitute the cream cheese and shredded cheese with vegan cheese alternatives.
Replace the cream of chicken and mushroom soups with non-dairy versions.

Nutritional Information

While detailed nutritional information is not provided here, this dish can be made healthier by using whole grain or gluten-free pasta and low-fat cheese. You’ll enjoy a rich blend of proteins from the chicken and cheese, carbs from the spaghetti, and vitamins from any vegetables served alongside.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With its myriad flavors and textures, this dish is sure to capture the hearts and taste buds of everyone at your table. So why not whip it up tonight? Enjoy the luxurious taste of creamy, cheesy spaghetti that will bring comfort and joy to your family and friends. Each bite is a reminder that some of the best things in life are simply delicious.