When you’re craving comfort food that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a meal with minimal effort!
Why This Recipe Works
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a rich and creamy spaghetti dish with little prep time.
Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings creates a thick, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Flavorful Chicken: The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the sauce, infusing the dish with flavor.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
2 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the soup.
Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the Pasta:
Break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes on low, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt and make the dish extra creamy.
Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot!
Helpful Tips for Recipe Success
Make it Extra Creamy: Add a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Use Thighs for More Flavor: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts, so feel free to use them if you prefer.
Pasta Choice: While spaghetti is classic, you can also use other types of pasta like penne or rotini.
Customize the Vegetables: Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy dressing pairs wonderfully with the creamy spaghetti.
Garlic Bread: Serve with some warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce!
Add a Veggie: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs; just extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Serving and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
Total Time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 6-8 servings
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a perfect dish for busy days when you need a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to become a regular on your weekly menu. Give it a try and let your slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy a delicious, creamy pasta dish!