Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

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Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a wonderfully easy and comforting dish. If you’re looking for a meal that combines simplicity and taste, this is it. The recipe makes use of a slow cooker, which means you can set it up and then forget about it for several hours while it cooks. This is perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to spend more time enjoying with family and friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

The combination of creamy sauces and savory chicken, paired with the fluffy spaghetti, creates a meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the recipe to match your family’s taste preferences or even use different types of pasta if you’d like. On top of that, who doesn’t love cheese? The melted cheddar cheese adds richness and depth to the dish that will keep everyone going back for seconds.

How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts – whole or cut into large chunks
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 onion, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp Italian seasoning
4 oz cream cheese, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (16 oz.) spaghetti – cooked separately and added

Directions:

Gather All Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have all your ingredients handy. Make sure to dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it can melt easily into the dish later.
Place the Chicken in the Bottom of the Crockpot: Start by placing the raw chicken breasts or chunks at the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures it stays moist.
Pour the Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles Over the Chicken: Take the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and pour it over the chicken. This will add a nice flavor and a bit of heat to your dish.
Add the Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soups: Next, pour in the cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. These creamy soups will help to create a rich and flavorful sauce that brings the entire dish together.
Sprinkle the Diced Onion and Minced Garlic: Now it’s time to add the diced onions and minced garlic. They will create a wonderful base of flavor that will permeate through the chicken and sauce.
Add Italian Seasoning: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the ingredients. The herbs in this mix will enhance the overall taste of the dish and add an aromatic touch.
Top with Diced Cream Cheese: Take the small cubes of cream cheese and place them on top. As it cooks, the cream cheese will melt and incorporate into the sauce, adding an extra layer of creaminess.
Cover and Cook: It’s time to cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender the chicken will become.
Cook the Spaghetti Separately: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Remember to salt the water for flavor.
Shred the Chicken in the Crockpot: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. It should fall apart easily, mixing with all the other ingredients.
Stir in the Shredded Cheddar Cheese: After shredding, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. This is where the dish gets its name – that gooey, cheesy goodness!
Fold in the Cooked Spaghetti: Finally, gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the mixture until well combined.
Serve: Your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is now ready to be served. Dish it out into bowls and enjoy a comforting meal with family or friends!

How to Serve Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Once your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is ready, you can serve it right from the crockpot or transfer it to a large serving dish. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
Side Dishes: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple salad can add some crunch and freshness to balance the creamy pasta.
Serving Style: This dish can be served in bowls for a more casual dining experience or plated on fancy dishes for a special occasion.

How to Store Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

If you have leftovers, storing them is simple:

In the Fridge: Allow the spaghetti to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to moisten it up.

Tips to Make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Adjust the Spices: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using hot diced tomatoes with green chiles.
Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some additional veggies for more nutrition. Frozen peas, bell peppers, or spinach can be added in the last hour of cooking.
Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack can all pair beautifully with cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
Cooked Chicken Option: If you have leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken, you can use this instead of raw chicken. Just reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low, adding it halfway through.
Thicker Sauce: If you desire a thicker sauce, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the mixture in the last hour of cooking.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, here are some variations you can try:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with diced tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of cream soups.
Different Pasta: Swap out spaghetti for penne, shell pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just be aware of cooking times for different types of pasta.
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add buffalo sauce to the mix for a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge or even freeze them. Just make sure to thaw everything before you cook it.

2. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the chicken and all the other ingredients (except spaghetti) and cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the soups you choose are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free cream soups.

4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. Using a meat thermometer can help you check this.

5. What else can I serve this with?
Aside from garlic bread and salad, you could serve it with steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or a light soup to complete your meal.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is not just easy to make; it’s a complete meal filled with flavor that everyone will love. The layers of hearty chicken, creamy sauces, and melted cheese will warm you up, making it perfect not just for dinner time but also as a comfort food option for any occasion. Enjoy!