This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a warm and cozy meal. With tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s a comforting dish everyone will love. Plus, it cooks slowly for extra flavor!
You can toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its work while you relax. I always get excited to smell it cooking all day—talk about an easy win for dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs would work well too, adding a richer flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and depth. If you want a healthier option, you can use homemade cream of chicken or even a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Dairy-free options are available as well!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: This ingredient gives spice and flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, use plain diced tomatoes and add some fresh chopped bell pepper instead. For more heat, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese makes the sauce super creamy. You could substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but note it may change the texture a bit.
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works great, but feel free to swap it with any pasta shape you enjoy—penne or rotini can be fun alternatives and hold the sauce well!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken from the Crockpot?
Getting beautifully shredded chicken is key to this recipe. The slow cooking method breaks down the protein, making it tender and easy to shred. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Start by seasoning your prepped chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to build flavor.
- Add the liquid mixture over the chicken—this helps create a moist environment in the crockpot.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, check for doneness. The chicken should easily shred apart with two forks.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the creamy base for maximum flavor.
Timing is important! Make sure to follow the cooking times to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and a cooking time of 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. So, whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this is a simple yet tasty option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Season them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This not only flavors the chicken but also gives your dish a tasty aroma.
2. Create the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, then pour this creamy sauce over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred—this is key for a great texture!
4. Cook the Spaghetti:
Roughly 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, go ahead and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. This will be mixed in with the chicken mixture later.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. It should fall apart easily! Add the cream cheese to the crockpot next, stirring it in until it melts and combines well with the chicken mixture, turning it incredibly creamy.
6. Combine Everything:
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy chicken mixture in the crockpot until it’s nicely coated. Make sure you mix it well so that every bite is filled with that delicious sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy chicken spaghetti warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Feel free to add more salt and pepper to taste—enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can start with frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cook it a little longer—around 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high. Just make sure to season them well and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you’d like a healthier or homemade option, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with a mixture of sour cream and chicken broth. Use 1 cup of sour cream mixed with 1/2 cup of chicken broth to achieve a similar creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it becomes too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, just substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Most gluten-free pastas work well—just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time as they may differ from traditional pasta.
