If you are looking for a warm, comforting meal that brings family and friends together, this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and flavorful tomatoes, it’s a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. The slow cooker does the magic, blending simple ingredients into a luscious pasta that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe makes it easy to serve up a crowd-pleaser full of heart and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward and readily available ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating a rich, comforting texture and delicious, balanced flavors you’ll love.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, which becomes tender and shreds beautifully for this dish.
- Cream of chicken soup (non fat): Adds creamy richness without weighing down the dish with extra fat.
- Diced tomatoes (not drained): Bring vibrant color and a subtle tang that livens up the creaminess.
- Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese): Provides a smooth, velvety texture that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts perfectly to add gooey, stringy cheesiness that everyone loves.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with an irresistible savory aroma and depth.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Spaghetti noodles: The hearty base that soaks up all the creamy sauce, delivering perfect comfort in every forkful.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. This simple step sets the foundation for the entire dish, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and absorb all those delicious flavors from the soup, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning that you pour right over the top.
Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover and cook the mixture on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process lets the chicken become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the creams and seasonings infuse deeply into the meat, developing a rich and hearty sauce.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This step is so satisfying because it transforms the chicken into soft, bite-sized pieces that will be the perfect texture to mix with the rest of the creamy ingredients.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Melt
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot. Now stir in the Neufchatel (or cream cheese) and shredded mozzarella, stirring gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for another 20 to 30 minutes, just until all that cheese melts into a smooth, irresistible sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
While the cheese is melting, cook your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. This step ensures your pasta will be perfectly al dente, ready to soak up every bit of the creamy chicken sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Enjoy
Once the noodles are cooked and drained, stir them directly into the crockpot mixture. For an extra touch of flavor and a little kick, top your dish with some red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Now it’s ready to serve and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for brightness, a shower of red pepper flakes for heat, or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese to amp up the cheesiness just before serving.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe pairs perfectly with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette or lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fabulous for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken spaghetti in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini bell peppers to make a charming presentation. Or turn it into a baked casserole by topping the slow cooker mixture with extra mozzarella and baking under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for even tastier reheated meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cook the pasta fresh or undercook it slightly before mixing so it doesn’t get mushy after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to recreate that creamy, smooth texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it in the crockpot?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Just add it during the last stages with the cheeses so it warms through without overcooking.
What’s the best type of cheese to get that creamy texture?
Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese) combined with shredded mozzarella gives the perfect balance of creaminess and gooey melt. Feel free to experiment with mild cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your canned soups don’t contain gluten ingredients.
Is it possible to make this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe spicy?
Spice it up by adding chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes either during cooking or as a garnish just before serving.
How thick should the spaghetti noodles be?
Traditional thin spaghetti works best here because it absorbs the sauce nicely without overwhelming the dish. But feel free to use thicker noodles like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer more bite.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease and comfort in the best possible way. Once you taste the creamy, cheesy goodness with tender shredded chicken wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to meal for busy days and special occasions alike. Give it a try and enjoy the warm hugs from this incredible slow cooker classic!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning are combined with creamy cheeses and tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a deliciously cheesy pasta dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.75 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans non-fat cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes (not drained)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (5–6 cloves)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 8 oz Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
Toppings (optional)
- Red pepper flakes
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker base to form a bed for the sauce ingredients.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour the cream of chicken soup and the undrained diced tomatoes over the chicken. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks or your hands, then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the Neufchatel cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked spaghetti noodles into the crockpot with the creamy chicken mixture, mixing thoroughly so that the pasta is well coated.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the top with red pepper flakes and grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot straight from the crockpot for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Neufchatel cheese can be substituted with regular cream cheese if unavailable.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
