Why Make This Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the wonderful flavors of chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply set it and forget it! The chicken becomes incredibly tender while soaking up all the delicious flavors, and the addition of cheese makes it all the more irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
How to Make Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Making Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is effortless and straightforward. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a delightful dish that smells amazing and tastes even better. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have dinner sorted with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Place the chicken breast in the bottom of your crockpot. Ensure the chicken is evenly spaced for proper cooking.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, allowing the flavors to mesh.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork. You can also check for doneness at around the 6-hour mark for a quicker meal.
Step 4: Finishing
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir in the cooked spaghetti until well combined. Finally, top with the shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
How to Serve Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Serve your Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or additional cheese for extra flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners and can accompany a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also makes an ideal comfort food for potlucks or gatherings!
How to Store Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it at the end with the spaghetti.
- If you want a lighter version, use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat or light cream of mushroom soup.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for a unique twist.
- Be sure not to overfill your crockpot; leave space for the heat to circulate for even cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with drained chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy Version: Stir in some diced jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce to give your dish a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Serve alongside cheesy garlic bread for a great textural contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried spaghetti instead of cooked?
Yes! You can add uncooked spaghetti directly into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving, along with extra broth to ensure it cooks properly. - Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time and ensure they’re fully cooked through before shredding. - What can I include to make this dish extra veg-friendly?
Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the crockpot along with your other ingredients. - Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and cook them in the morning for a ready-to-eat dinner. - What sides go well with this dish?
Fresh salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
Conclusion
Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect solution for a busy day when you still want to enjoy a delicious, warm meal with loved ones. Its creamy texture, combined with juicy chicken and cheesy goodness, makes it a family favorite. You’ll find this dish appealing not only for its taste but also for its convenience. It’s time to grab your crockpot and give this easy recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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Classic Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 375-495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty, comforting meal featuring chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast in the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring it is evenly spaced.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and stir in the cooked spaghetti. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
For heat, add red pepper flakes. Substitute rotisserie chicken to save time. For a lighter version, use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360-480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
