CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti

Cozy CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti: My Family’s Hands-Down Favorite Comfort Food
There’s nothing like coming home after a long, hectic day to the warm, irresistible aroma of CrockPot chicken spaghetti bubbling away in the kitchen. For me, this easy slow cooker recipe isn’t just a weeknight dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. I still remember the first time I made this simple chicken spaghetti: I had been juggling work, kids’ activities, and that ever-present laundry mountain. With a few humble pantry staples tossed in my trusty CrockPot, magic happened. Hours later, we all gathered around the table, dished up hearty bowls of cheesy, creamy chicken spaghetti, and shared stories over second helpings. Moments like these are what keep me coming back to this delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Adore This CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
You know those busy days when you crave something comforting but just can’t face another complicated dinner? That’s exactly why I love this easy CrockPot chicken spaghetti—and I know you will, too!
- Stress-Free Prep: All it takes is a little prepping and your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. (Hello, hands-off dinner!)
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: Every bite is packed with tender shredded chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. Need I say more?
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family (and picky eaters everywhere!) devour this every time. It’s cozy, familiar, and always gets rave reviews at potlucks.
- Weeknight Savior: It uses pantry staples you probably already have—no fancy shopping required. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need for CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting classic. I’ll sprinkle in some of my favorite tips so you get perfect results every time!
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
(Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for quick prep. Leftover roast chicken works wonderfully, too!) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
(The creamy backbone of the dish. For extra depth, opt for a “roasted garlic” mushroom soup.) - 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
(Adds brightness and just a bit of gentle heat. Substitute plain diced tomatoes for a milder version.) - 1 cup uncooked spaghetti
(Break the spaghetti in half so it fits and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melty blend)
(I usually go classic with sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack or Colby are delicious, too.) - ½ cup chicken broth
(Keeps things extra saucy—low-sodium is best so you can adjust seasoning.) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
(A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme ties the flavors together perfectly.) - Salt and pepper to taste
(Don’t forget to taste and adjust right before serving!)
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
Let’s break it down, one easy step at a time (I promise, you can’t mess this up—cozy slow cooker dinners are forgiving like that).
- Combine the Main Ingredients
In your CrockPot, add the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir so it’s well mixed. - Add the Spaghetti
Stir in the uncooked spaghetti. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid, so they’ll become perfectly tender as they cook. - Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. (If you’re short on time, 3–4 hours on HIGH works too, but I love the all-day slow cook. My house smells amazing all afternoon!) - Get Cheesy
Before serving, stir in the shredded cheese. It’ll melt quickly and create a creamy, luscious sauce. - Season and Serve
Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. Spoon into bowls and get ready for smiles all around!
Bonus tip: If your spaghetti is a little sticky around the edges, give everything a gentle stir at the halfway point. It helps prevent sticking and coats the pasta in all that creamy sauce!
My Secret Tips and Tricks for CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti Success
After making slow cooker chicken spaghetti more times than I can count, here are a few tried-and-true tricks you’ll want to keep in your back pocket:
- Pasta Texture Matters: Uncooked spaghetti goes in right from the start—it’ll soak up the sauce as it cooks (which is why you want enough liquid). If you like your pasta really al dente, add it in the last 2 hours instead.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Wait until the very end to add your shredded cheese—otherwise, it can get a little stringy. Give it just a minute or two to melt for the best creamy chicken spaghetti texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Every slow cooker’s a bit different. Check your spaghetti at the 6-hour mark. You want it to be tender, not mushy.
- Bulk Up the Veggies: Toss in a handful of chopped bell peppers or baby spinach during the last hour for a nutrition boost and some color (Tex-Mex chicken spaghetti, anyone?).
- Taste As You Go: Since the saltiness of canned soup and broth can vary, always adjust seasoning at the end.
Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps
Cooking for a crowd or just feeling creative? Here’s how you can make this ultimate comfort food your own:
- Make It Spicy: Use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Veg Out: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or chopped broccoli for a veggie-packed version.
- Swap the Soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery soups are tasty alternatives to mushroom.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook a little faster in the CrockPot.
- Switch Up the Protein: Leftover turkey or even shredded rotisserie pork works beautifully (for a twist on classic chicken spaghetti).
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Try a little cream cheese or mozzarella for an extra creamy, gooey finish on your crock pot chicken pasta.
How to Serve and Store Your CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
Serving this cheesy chicken spaghetti is a breeze, and leftovers (if there are any!) store like a dream.
- Serve Hot: Ladle into cozy bowls, sprinkle on extra cheese or fresh parsley, and pair with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
- Feed a Crowd: Double the recipe for parties or potlucks—just make sure your slow cooker’s big enough!
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer Friendly: Pop cooled portions of this easy weeknight dinner in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat for a quick and easy lunch.
FAQs: Your Top Questions About CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti Answered
Can I cook the spaghetti noodles separately and add them at the end?
Absolutely! If you’re worried about mushy spaghetti, cook your pasta on the stovetop and stir it in with the cheese in the last 15 minutes. It’s a great way to control the texture, especially in a classic crock pot chicken spaghetti.
Can I prep this creamy chicken spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything (except the noodles and cheese) the night before and refrigerate it in your slow cooker insert. In the morning, just stir in the spaghetti and set it to cook.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I love sharp cheddar for its classic flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick in your cheesy chicken pasta.
Can I make this spicy or mild?
You bet! For a spicy chicken spaghetti, use Rotel with extra chilies or add hot sauce at the table. For mild, stick with plain diced tomatoes and skip the chilies.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
For food safety, start with thawed, cooked chicken. Frozen chicken can affect the cooking time and sauce consistency.
I hope this CrockPot chicken spaghetti brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it does to ours. If you try it, please let me know how it goes in the comments—or share your own creative twists! Happy slow cooking, friends.
CrockPot Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for quick prep.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup For extra depth, opt for a 'roasted garlic' mushroom soup.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Substitute plain diced tomatoes for a milder version.
- 1 cup uncooked spaghetti Break the spaghetti in half to fit in the slow cooker.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Sharp cheddar or a melty blend is recommended.
- ½ cup chicken broth Low-sodium is best for adjusting seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In your CrockPot, add the shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Stir in the uncooked spaghetti, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours).
- Before serving, stir in the shredded cheese and allow it to melt.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.