Looking for a comforting, creamy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a cozy classic your whole family will love. With minimal prep, a handful of pantry staples, and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a satisfying cheesy pasta dish that’s both hearty and foolproof.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this slow cooker chicken spaghetti fits the bill perfectly. It’s also budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
If you’re a fan of simple yet flavorful meals like Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or Honey BBQ Chicken Rice, you’re going to love this comforting crockpot spaghetti recipe.
Table of Contents
Why This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe Works
This meal is a perfect combination of ease and flavor:
- Hands-off cooking: Just dump everything into the slow cooker and walk away.
- Creamy and cheesy: Velvety cheese blends with tender chicken and pasta.
- Kid-approved: It’s a mild, cheesy pasta that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for large families or potlucks.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for another week.
This recipe also works well with variations like Cheddar Biscuit Breakfast Casserole if you’re craving more cheesy comfort food ideas.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious, slow-cooked dish:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this meal successfully, you’ll need:
- A 5- or 6-quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A large spoon or spatula
- A fork for shredding chicken
- A pot to pre-cook noodles (optional, depending on method)
If you’re building out your slow cooker recipe rotation, check out our hearty Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie or Comforting Italian Crescent Casserole.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Add ingredients to the crockpot
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and all spices. Stir lightly to combine. - Cook the chicken
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. - Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot. - Add cheese and cream cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar and cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. - Cook the pasta
Boil the spaghetti noodles on the stove until al dente (or add uncooked noodles with 1/2 cup extra broth and cook in the crockpot on high for an additional 25-30 minutes). - Combine and serve
Mix cooked pasta into the crockpot mixture. Stir well to coat every strand in cheesy sauce. Serve warm with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or grated parmesan.
Flavor Tips and Secret Ingredients
- Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving for a tangy twist.
- Garnish with fresh basil or chives for brightness.
- For a little kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Want more bold pasta dishes? Try Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for something spicy and saucy.
Recipe Variations and Customization
You can make this crockpot chicken spaghetti your own with simple tweaks:
- Make it spicy: Use a hot Rotel or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Switch up the cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken: Add during the last hour of cooking.
- Low-carb: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as-is, but you can elevate it further with these sides:
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans
- Corn on the cob
- A fresh fruit platter for a light dessert
For a fresh and bright pairing, try our Colorful Mason Jar Greek Salad.
Nutrition Breakdown and Healthy Swaps
Here’s an estimate per serving (serves 6):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
Healthy Swaps:
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar
- Opt for whole wheat spaghetti
- Use a low-sodium broth and soup
- Add extra veggies to stretch servings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta: Add it at the end or parboil separately.
- Not stirring after adding cheese: Ensure it melts smoothly.
- Too little liquid: Add extra broth if the sauce looks too thick.
- Cooking on high too long: This can dry out the chicken.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Microwave in 60-second bursts or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
Looking for more comforting options to prep ahead? Try our Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure your crockpot model allows it. Cooking time will increase.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional, but penne or rotini also hold up well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternative, but note the texture will vary.
Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?
Yes! Just add uncooked noodles with extra liquid and cook for about 30 minutes on high at the end.
How do I keep leftovers from drying out?
Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating and stir frequently.
Related Crockpot Recipes from RecipeZed
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- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
- Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Explore the full dinner collection for more delicious ideas.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a recipe—it’s a weeknight lifesaver. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it’s the definition of comfort food with hardly any work required. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable and delicious go-to.
If you loved this recipe, please share it on social media, leave a comment, and subscribe to RecipeZed for more family-friendly dinner ideas delivered weekly.
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Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti : 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for the ultimate cozy dinner that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying? This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the slow cooker version of a Southern classic—rich, cheesy, creamy, and packed with tender shredded chicken.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Add raw chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Pour in cream of chicken soup, Rotel, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Once cooked, remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add cubed Velveeta and cream cheese. Stir and let melt for 20–30 minutes.
Step 6: In the meantime, cook spaghetti noodles. Drain and stir them into the cheesy chicken mixture.
Step 7: Mix until creamy and evenly coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is best to prevent mushiness.
- Use block cheese like Velveeta—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Drain the Rotel if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
