Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dinner, this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is bound to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked in a luscious blend of creamy soups, cream cheese, and savory seasonings, combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles and melted cheddar cheese—each bite delivers warmth and home-style goodness that’s both effortless to make and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for sharing with family and friends on a cozy weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward this creamy, flavorful dish. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken breasts to the cheeses that bring richness and gooey texture, creating a well-balanced meal with irresistible taste and inviting colors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): The hearty protein base that becomes tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- Cream of chicken soup (10 oz can): Adds a silky creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10 oz can): Brings earthiness and enhances the overall savory profile.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and infuses subtle chicken flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed): Melts into a luscious, velvety sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tangy richness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle punch of aromatic warmth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle spice lift to keep every bite interesting.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of smoky color and flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz, divided): Creates that classic cheesy gooey layer loved by everyone.
- Uncooked spaghetti (12 oz): The perfect pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a hint of brightness.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot, because the slow cooking will make them super tender and juicy. Next, add in both cans of creamy soups, chicken broth, cream cheese cubes, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Gently stir everything together to get those flavors mingling without breaking up the chicken just yet. This slow cooking magic will take your creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe to the next level.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and let the chicken cook low and slow for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, crank it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to have the chicken fully cooked and fall-apart tender—this stage builds the foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. You want nice, bite-sized pieces that will mix evenly with the sauce and pasta. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot; the slow cooker juices are packed with flavor, and you don’t want to lose a drop.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti and Continue Cooking
Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half – this helps them cook evenly and fit better in the crockpot. Stir the pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, making sure everything is well combined. Replace the lid and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are perfectly tender and have soaked up that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve
After the spaghetti is cooked through, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to melt into the creamy mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, letting it melt for about 5 minutes before serving. This last cheesy layer adds that extra winning touch everyone will love.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Not only does it add a pop of color, but its fresh flavor balances the creamy richness perfectly, making your dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy, cheesy main course pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides add texture and keep the meal feeling balanced without competing with the richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken spaghetti in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra shredded cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a crowd-pleaser presentation that makes every serving feel like a specialty dish, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe, store any leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more as it rests, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. To restore creaminess, you can add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk if needed. This will bring the sauce back to silky perfection without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut. Simply add shredded rotisserie chicken when you stir in the pasta, and reduce the initial crockpot cook time since the chicken is already cooked.
What type of cheese can I use if I don’t have cheddar?
Feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds a lot of creaminess, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone, keeping in mind those alternatives will change the final texture slightly.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the doubled volume. You might also need to increase cooking times slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it cook uniformly. Be sure to check the pasta for doneness at around 20 minutes and stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a comforting, cheesy dinner with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy feast that’s perfect for feeding the family. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to staple on your weekly menu, filled with warmth, flavor, and that undeniable homemade feeling.
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Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, cream cheese, and cheddar melted into perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty American main course is perfect for family dinners and requires minimal prep. Simply combine ingredients in the crockpot and let it cook low and slow until creamy and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz spaghetti, uncooked
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook 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.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the sauce.
- Add Pasta: Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the crockpot mixture. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar on top and let it melt for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time—just reduce the initial cook time and add the chicken when you stir in the pasta.
- Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
