Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: Easy, Creamy, Flavorful Dinner
Gather around, friends, because it’s time to discover a delightful dinner option that combines comfort and ease! Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s an experience marked by the warm embrace of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something hearty and soul-satisfying.
Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of dinner simmering gently in the background. If that’s not tempting enough, let’s dive into what makes this dish a staple for so many families!
Why Make This Recipe
- It requires minimal prep work and cooks itself in the slow cooker, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.
- It’s packed with flavor and creaminess that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress without breaking a sweat.
Regardless of the occasion, this recipe shines through as a beloved option for any dinner table.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
The secret to achieving that luscious, creamy Chicken Spaghetti lies in the ease of preparation. Let’s walk through the process and transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish.
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by giving your slow cooker some love. Spray it with cooking oil or line it with a slow cooker liner to make cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Next, let’s layer our main protein! Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your prepared slow cooker, laying them flat for an even cook and to assure every piece is succulent and juicy.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Soups
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the star of the creaminess—condensed cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Stir well to create a base that will envelop the chicken in delightful flavors.
Step 4: Introduce the Rotel
Now it’s time to kick things up a notch. Add the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies to your soup mixture. Stir it until the colors and textures blend beautifully—this part is where the magic begins.
Step 5: Add the Liquids
Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth along with 1/2 cup of milk into your soup and Rotel mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is smooth and well-integrated. This is your ultimate sauce!
Step 6: Incorporate Aromatics and Seasonings
It’s time to bring in the depth of flavor. Add finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the mix. Give it a good stir. Each ingredient enhances the dish’s richness and aroma!
Step 7: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Carefully pour the entire prepared sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re well-coated in the luscious sauce you just created!
Step 8: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Resist the urge to lift that lid too often; let the magic happen!
Step 9: Shred the Chicken
When your timer goes off, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this is where your dish transforms into that friendly, cozy comfort food you crave. Stir the shredded chicken back into that creamy sauce for even distribution.
Step 10: Add the Spaghetti
Now, it’s spaghetti time! Break the 12-ounce spaghetti into thirds and gently add it directly into the slow cooker. Push the spaghetti down into the sauce to ensure it is tucked in snugly.
Step 11: Continue Cooking the Spaghetti
Place the lid back on and let it cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender but not mushy. Stir the spaghetti midway through to prevent it from sticking and to guarantee even cooking.
Step 12: Introduce the Cheese
Once the spaghetti is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the grand finale. Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Colby Jack). Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating that heavenly creamy texture.
Step 13: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Before you serve, take a moment to taste the dish. This is your opportunity to adjust seasonings as needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Step 14: Garnish and Serve
Ladle generous portions onto plates, garnishing each serving with fresh-chopped parsley for that pop of color. Serve immediately for everyone to enjoy the delightful comfort that is Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti!
Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Sometimes, the best part of a delicious meal is enjoying the leftovers! Here are some guidelines for storing your delicious Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days at 40°F.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy texture.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Serving this fabulous dish is just as fun as making it! Here are some creative serving suggestions to kick it up a notch:
- Serve alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy spaghetti.
- Pair it with garlic bread for that essential crunch with every bite.
- For a southern twist, serve it with cornbread muffins on the side.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
- A simple sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can add an extra layer of flavor.
Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Consider prepping all your ingredients the night before. This will save you time on a busy day.
- Use Whole Ingredients: For the best flavor, stick to whole, quality ingredients wherever possible. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant taste.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your family’s preferences.
- Try Different Cheeses: Mix it up with different cheese options. A smoky cheese could add a whole new level of flavor!
Variations or Substitutions
Feel free to make some changes to personalize this recipe. Here are a couple of ideas:
- For a healthier twist: Replace regular pasta with whole-grain or veggie-based spaghetti. It imparts similar flavors and helps in keeping it wholesome.
- Swap out proteins: If you prefer to use chicken thighs instead of breasts, go ahead! They add a richer flavor and remain moist during slow cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge, then slow cook it when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken or even a roux-based cream sauce if you want to avoid canned products.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add some hot sauce or incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the sauce for that extra kick!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is preferred, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked thoroughly.
Making the Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is not only a delightful experience but also a profound way to create memories around the dinner table. This dish combines simplicity with a burst of flavor that everyone will appreciate. With minimal effort, you can serve a feast that captures the essence of comfort food. This creamy, flavorful dinner is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has become in countless others. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken spaghetti made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking oil or using a liner.
- Layer the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups.
- Add undrained Rotel to the soup mixture and stir.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine.
- Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the mixture and stir.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, coating them well.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and return it to the creamy sauce.
- Gently add the spaghetti to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-45 minutes until spaghetti is tender.
- Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Chicken, Spaghetti, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
