If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. This luscious dish combines tender slow-cooked chicken with melty cheeses, zesty diced tomatoes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all simmered together to create a creamy, flavorful casserole that your whole family will adore. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays an essential role. From the savory soups that bring velvety richness to the dish, to the zing from Rotel diced tomatoes, every component adds a specific layer of taste and texture that makes this meal irresistible.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra moisture or breasts for leaner protein; both shred beautifully.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds smooth, savory creaminess that forms the sauce base.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Enhances earthy depth and richness to the slow-cooked sauce.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Provides a mild kick and vibrant tang to brighten the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and helps balance flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes effortlessly.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle peppery warmth.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed): Melts into the sauce for that signature silky smooth texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Half to melt into the sauce, half to top off for irresistibly gooey cheese pull.
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh pop of color and subtle herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by greasing the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking, then nestle the chicken breasts or thighs right in. Pour in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to blend the flavors around the chicken, ensuring each bite will be tender and well-seasoned.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become beautifully tender, soaking up all the creamy, savory sauce as it cooks low and slow, making it incredibly flavorful and ready to shred with ease.
Step 3: Shred and Mix the Cheese
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, add the cubed cream cheese and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything thoroughly until the cheeses melt into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings deliciously to the chicken.
Step 4: Cook and Combine the Spaghetti
While the cheese melts, cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (firm but tender). Drain the pasta and add it directly to the crockpot. Toss the spaghetti gently with the creamy chicken mixture to ensure every strand is coated in rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Final Cheese Melt
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta and cover the slow cooker again. Let it cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This last step allows the top layer of cheese to melt beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible finish that completes your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect way to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of bright green color to your creamy pasta. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat or some extra shredded cheddar cheese for good measure.
Side Dishes
This hearty, creamy pasta stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness and adds variety to your meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the dish perfectly, soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken spaghetti in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a golden crispy crust. Alternatively, spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve over a bed of sautéed spinach to add extra flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Divide into individual portions or family-sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive that creamy, saucy consistency you loved fresh from the crockpot.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, penne, rotini, or even egg noodles would work wonderfully to hold onto the creamy sauce while offering a slightly different texture.
Is it necessary to cook the spaghetti separately?
Yes, it’s best to cook the pasta al dente in a separate pot to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed in the slow cooker with the sauce and chicken.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try substituting cream cheese and cheddar with non-dairy alternatives, but keep in mind this may change the texture and richness of the final dish.
What is the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs add more juiciness and flavor, but breasts are leaner if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the last step of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is more than just making dinner—it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and smiles around your table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe designed to please even the pickiest eaters and busy families alike. So grab your slow cooker and dive into this cheesy, creamy delight that’s so easy to love and even easier to make!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and a blend of cheeses tossed with spaghetti. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it combines flavorful Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and a rich cheese sauce to create a hearty dish that cooks low and slow for maximum tenderness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauces
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a greased slow cooker. Add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients around the chicken evenly.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add and Melt Cheeses: Add the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the cheeses are melting, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the crockpot and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture. Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Velveeta cheese for cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to incorporate extra vegetables into the dish.
- This recipe reheats very well and can be portioned and frozen for convenient future meals.
