Are you looking for a dish that combines easy preparation with rich flavors? Welcome to the world of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti! This delightful recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. With its tender, slow-cooked chicken enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, this hearty meal is a comfort food lover’s dream come true. Additionally, using a crockpot means that while the dish cooks slowly, your time is freed up for other activities — a true win-win!
This slow-cooked wonder makes the perfect backdrop for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for those busy weeknights. You’ll find that the blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices not only enhances the chicken but also envelops the spaghetti in a blanket of creaminess that’s hard to resist. Ready to whip up this delectable dish? Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s packed with numerous benefits that make it a fantastic choice for any occasion:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply layer your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Rich and Flavorful: Enjoy a blend of spices and cheeses that create a creamy, savory sauce with every bite.
- Customizable: Easily add or swap vegetables to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This recipe delivers that warm, cozy feeling you crave on cool nights or after a long day.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on your cooking journey, it’s important to prep your kitchen space to ensure a smooth experience. Start by gathering the necessary tools: you’ll need a slow cooker, a chopping board, a sharp knife for prepping the chicken and any optional vegetables, and measuring cups for portioning ingredients. Having these items ready will set you up for success!
Make sure to line your crockpot if desired, as this can help with clean-up later on. Additionally, get your spaghetti pot ready for boiling water once the chicken has had a chance to cook. With everything at your fingertips, you’ll be able to follow the recipe seamlessly.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Generously season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and if you like a little kick, sprinkle in the paprika. This initial step allows the chicken to soak up those aromatic flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Base
Next, gently layer the Rotel, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. I recommend leaving everything undisturbed; this way, the flavors can meld together beautifully while cooking, creating an amazing sauce!
Step 3: Slow Cook
It’s time for the crockpot magic to happen! Cover and set your crockpot to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and juicy, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the pot. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, return the chicken to the crockpot, and give it a gentle stir.
Step 5: Creamy Cheesy Goodness
Now, add the cubed cream cheese and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and combined, creating that rich, creamy texture we love.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is coming together, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy chicken mixture in the crockpot. Stir until every strand of spaghetti is well-coated with that delicious sauce.
Step 8: Finish with Cheese
The final touch is to sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot once more and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra black pepper, if desired. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked sausage for a different flavor pair.
- Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cumin or Italian herbs for a unique twist on the original flavor.
Cooking Notes
For the best results, keep these notes in mind:
- Feel free to add more vegetables; just remember to sauté them lightly first if you’re using fresh ones to ensure they cook through.
- If you find yourself with leftovers, simply reheat them with a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving ideas to consider:
- Pair with a side salad for a refreshing crunch to balance the dish.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
To enhance your cooking experience, consider these tips:
- Make sure not to stir in the cheese until the chicken is fully cooked to prevent curdling.
- Adjust the level of spices to your taste; if you love spice, feel free to add a bit more paprika or throw in some jalapeños!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: About 35g
- Sodium: Around 800mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly — typically, add an extra hour for cooking on low.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of celery or a homemade version using heavy cream and chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator before cooking, ensuring you’re set for a quick dinner the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Simply place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little broth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful dish that promises rich flavors, ease of preparation, and the warmth of comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experiences below in the comments — we’d love to hear your variations and how the meal turned out. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This delightful recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Generously season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and if you like a little kick, sprinkle in the paprika.
- Next, gently layer the Rotel, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover and set your crockpot to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the pot. With two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Now, add the cubed cream cheese and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir the mixture and allow it to cook for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and combined.
- While the sauce is coming together, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy chicken mixture in the crockpot. Stir until every strand of spaghetti is well-coated with that delicious sauce.
- The final touch is to sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot once more and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Dish out your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra black pepper, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust spices and add more vegetables to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Sodium: Around 800mg
- Protein: About 35g