This Chicken Spaghetti recipe with crockpot chicken spaghetti is especially chicken spaghetti recipes. Hey there, if you’re looking for a comforting, simple meal, Chicken Spaghetti is the way to go!
This dish combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy spaghetti for a family-friendly dinner that’s a breeze to make.
As a beginner, you’ll love how straightforward this recipe is. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can make it at home. Stick around for tips, variations, and everything you need to create a delicious dish everyone will rave about!
Delicious Chicken Spaghetti
Why You’ll Love Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is more than just pasta—it’s comfort food at its best. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Here’s why it’s a must-try for any beginner cook.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry, like pasta, chicken, and cheese, making it a go-to recipe without a long shopping list.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a surefire way to please even picky eaters at the dinner table.
- One-Pot Option: Minimize cleanup with a slow cooker or single pot. Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with veggies or different cheeses. It’s versatile enough to suit whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients for Chicken Spaghetti
Let’s gather everything you need for this tasty dish. These ingredients are simple and easy to find, perfect for a beginner’s kitchen setup.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 12 oz Spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (10 oz, for a mild kick)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
Important Ingredient Notes:
• Use low-sodium soup if watching salt intake.
• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking—this process is super easy. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering Chicken Spaghetti dish with minimal effort.
Step 1: Preparation
Start by gathering all ingredients. Dice your onion and mince garlic if using fresh. Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker or pot. Add diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, onion, and garlic on top.
Step 2: Slow Cooking
Cover and cook the chicken mixture on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours in a slow cooker. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Step 3: Shredding Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir in cream cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Adding Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti separately until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and stir it into the slow cooker with the sauce. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes on low to absorb flavors, then serve hot.
Expert Tips
Here are some handy tips to make your dish even better, especially if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
- Pasta Timing: Avoid soggy noodles by cooking spaghetti separately. Add them to the sauce just before serving to maintain a perfect texture for your meal.
- Cheese Boost: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before serving. It adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
- Freezing Leftovers: Store leftovers in airtight containers. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep the dish creamy and prevent drying out.
Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken—comfort food made easy for beginners. Perfect for busy nights, this crockpot-friendly recipe comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 12 oz Spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (10 oz)
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken and return to the pot. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Cook spaghetti separately until al dente. Drain and stir into slow cooker mixture.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavors, then serve hot.
Notes
Use low-sodium soup for a lighter version. Add cheddar or parmesan before serving for extra flavor. Store leftovers with a splash of broth to reheat smoothly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Variations & Alternatives
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways to tweak your Chicken Spaghetti recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and use chickpeas or tofu. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty, meat-free version of the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a hotter version of diced tomatoes. This adds a fiery touch if you enjoy bold flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles. Double-check that your canned soups are gluten-free to keep the meal safe for sensitivities.
What to Serve with It
Pair your dish with simple sides to round out the meal. These options complement the creamy, savory flavors perfectly.
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- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta for a balanced plate.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s an easy addition that feels indulgent.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. It’s quick to make and pairs well with cheesy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you put raw spaghetti in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw spaghetti in a slow cooker, but it’s not always ideal for Chicken Spaghetti. The noodles may get mushy from soaking too long in liquid. It’s better to cook spaghetti al dente separately and add it to the sauce just before serving.
This keeps the texture perfect and the dish tasty.
Can you just put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, raw chicken works fine in a slow cooker, especially for this recipe. It cooks slowly at a low temperature, becoming tender and juicy. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Season it and add broth or sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
What ingredients do you need for chicken spaghetti?
For this dish, you’ll need chicken breasts, spaghetti, diced tomatoes with green chiles, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Optional cheddar cheese can be added for extra richness.
These basics create a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare for any family dinner.
Can you add uncooked pasta to a crockpot?
Yes, uncooked pasta can go into a crockpot, but caution is needed. It might turn too soft or sticky from long cooking in liquid. For best results, cook it separately and add it at the end. If cooking in the crockpot, add it in the last 30-60 minutes and check often.
Can you cook pasta in sauce in a crockpot?
Yes, pasta can cook in sauce in a crockpot, but it risks becoming mushy as it absorbs liquid over time. For a better texture, cook pasta al dente separately and mix it into the sauce just before serving. This keeps the dish fresh and enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for beginners. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up!
Why not give this recipe a try tonight? I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment below or share your tweaks. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a hearty meal together!
