Prepare to meet your new weeknight dinner hero! Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is pure comfort food magic—tender shreds of juicy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, melty cheddar, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and just the right kick from tangy Rotel tomatoes. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table sigh in delight and ask for seconds. With minimal prep and zero babysitting, this slow-cooked sensation is rich, crowd-pleasing, and honestly impossible to mess up, whether you’re a crockpot newbie or a seasoned pro.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are the heart of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti. Each one brings something special—flavor, richness, or that signature gooey texture! Let’s take a closer look at why every component matters.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Opt for either; thighs are extra juicy, but breasts stay super tender thanks to slow cooking.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Creates a creamy base that’s packed with savory chicken flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Infuses an earthy richness and helps the sauce cling to every bite of spaghetti.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, undrained): Adds just the right hit of tang and gentle heat—don’t drain it, those juices matter!
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps everything luscious and helps the chicken stay moist while slow cooking.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, mellow kick.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Depth and sweetness without any chopping, just sprinkle and go.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds peppery warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): The secret to a velvet-smooth, tangy sauce that just melts into every forkful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Half goes into the sauce for meltiness, half creates a bubbly, cheesy topping.
- Uncooked spaghetti (12 ounces): The ultimate comfort noodle—catches all the cheesy sauce!
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh, vibrant, and totally worth adding for that pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by laying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker, making sure they’re spread in a single layer. Next, spoon in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir around the chicken, just enough to start mingling those bold flavors together.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Pop on the lid, then set the crockpot to low for 6 hours (or high for 3–4 hours if you’re tight on time). Let your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti filling do its thing, soaking up the delicious seasonings and becoming perfectly fork-tender as it simmers away.
Step 3: Shred and Creamify
Once the chicken is beautifully cooked, lift it out and shred it with two forks until bite-size and irresistible. Return all that lovely shredded chicken right back to the crockpot. Now scatter the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of cheddar over the top, then stir until everything melts together into a dreamy, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook and Add the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add uncooked spaghetti and cook just until al dente, since it’ll finish in the slow cooker (nobody likes soggy pasta!). Drain well, then add it straight into the slow cooker, tossing so every strand is coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Top and Finish
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let everything heat on low for 15–20 more minutes, until the cheese melts and the whole thing becomes gloriously bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for an extra burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Garnishes
A handful of chopped parsley sprinkled over the top gives this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti a restaurant-worthy finish and a bright, herby touch. You can also add sliced green onions, or a little finely grated Parmesan for a touch of extra richness.
Side Dishes
Round out your plate with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli—those fresh flavors pair perfectly with the rich and cheesy spaghetti. Warm, crusty garlic bread on the side is ideal for catching any of that extra sauce (and let’s be honest, it’s irresistible!).
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti in individual ramekins or small bowls, topped with extra cheese and broiled for a bubbly golden finish. Or, spoon it into a family-style casserole dish and let everyone help themselves, making it a centerpiece at your next potluck or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and store in the fridge. Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti holds up beautifully for up to 4 days, making those next-day lunches something to actually look forward to!
Freezing
Portion cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture. Freezing in single-servings makes for easy, comforting dinners on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in the microwave (stirring halfway through) or place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, then bake at 325°F until heated through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back that silky, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to cook it al dente, so it holds up well in the slow cooker sauce.
Is Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti spicy?
The Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick, but it’s not too spicy for most palates. If you prefer zero heat, use regular diced tomatoes, or if you love spice, opt for hot Rotel or add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers when you add the cheese. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition and color.
What’s the best way to make it extra creamy?
For an extra level of creaminess, substitute Velveeta for some or all of the cream cheese. It melts beautifully and gives the sauce that ultra-smooth, silky texture.
Can I prep this ahead and cook later?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients (except pasta and cheese) in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking when you’re ready. Just add the cream cheese, cheddar, and cooked pasta at the end as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that’s effortless, creamy, and always a hit, Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is your answer. It’s the kind of soul-soothing classic that brings people together and instantly lifts the mood at dinnertime. Try it tonight and watch it win over your whole family!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy dish with this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a hassle-free family dinner, this slow cooker meal is packed with savory flavors and tender chicken, all coated in a luscious cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Spaghetti:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in soups, Rotel, broth, and seasonings. Cook until chicken is tender.
- Shred and Mix: Shred chicken, add cheeses, and mix well.
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti separately until al dente.
- Combine: Add pasta to the crockpot and mix. Top with cheese and cook until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Velveeta for cream cheese for a creamier texture.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies.
- Freezes well for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
