This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for busy nights! Just toss chicken, spaghetti, and your favorite sauce in the crockpot, and let it do all the work!
You can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort with minimal fuss! I love how tender the chicken comes out, and it’s pretty hard to resist seconds. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe, but thighs work well too! They stay juicy and flavorful. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut.
Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce to save time. If you want to make it lighter, a chunky tomato sauce or marinara can be used instead. You can also add herbs for extra flavor!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you prefer a healthier option, use low-fat or even a homemade version with blended mushrooms and broth. Dairy-free needs? Try a non-dairy cream soup.
Pasta: Standard spaghetti works best here, but any long pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, can work too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great substitutes if you need them.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give a nice blend of flavors. If you want a twist, use pepper jack for some spice, or avoid cheese entirely for a lighter meal.
How Can I Ensure My Pasta Doesn’t Get Overcooked?
The key to perfectly cooked pasta in a crockpot is careful timing. Adding it too early can lead to mushy noodles, so follow these steps:
- Wait until the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding the pasta.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half for better mixing and to fit in the crockpot.
- Cook on HIGH for just 30-45 minutes. You want al dente pasta, so check it a few minutes early.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a delicious chicken spaghetti dish that’s perfect for any busy night! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar spaghetti sauce (your preferred variety)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta (uncooked, broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onion, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Make sure to allow for an additional 30-45 minutes at the end to cook the spaghetti, for a total of about 7-8 hours. It’s a great option for a hands-off meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your delicious spaghetti dish.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, diced bell pepper (if you’re using it), and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well. Then, pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This gives it enough time to soak in all the flavors!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step really makes the spaghetti blend deliciously with the sauce!
5. Add the Spaghetti:
Now, break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half (easier for mixing) and add them to the crockpot. Stir well to make sure the noodles are covered by the sauce. This helps them cook evenly!
6. Finish Cooking the Spaghetti:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 30-45 minutes. Check the pasta occasionally and stir to avoid sticking. You want it cooked through but still al dente.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Once the pasta is just right, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot for about 5 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a nice touch. Serve your easy crockpot chicken spaghetti warm and enjoy a hearty meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time to about 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH to ensure they cook through properly. No need to thaw, just add them directly to the crockpot!
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and low-fat versions of the cream of mushroom soup. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrients!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chicken the night before. Just store them in the fridge, and pop it in the crockpot in the morning. The cooking times remain the same. This makes for a hassle-free dinner after a busy day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
