There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal that requires minimal effort. That’s exactly why this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a must-have in your recipe rotation. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The combination of tender shredded chicken, a rich and velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for the week, this recipe delivers big on both taste and convenience.
Now, let’s get started on making this incredible slow-cooker meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Incredible Flavor – A mix of creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and a hint of spice.
- Perfect for Families – It makes a large batch, so everyone gets a hearty serving.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
To get started, gather all your ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz.) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 oz. cream cheese, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (16 oz.) spaghetti
Now, let’s put everything together in the crockpot.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes with green chiles, both soups (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients and make sure the chicken is coated in the mixture.
Cooking Time:
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
While the crockpot is doing its magic, you can sit back, relax, or get other things done. This is why I love slow-cooker meals—they free up time while still delivering a homemade dinner!
Once the chicken is done, it’s time to move on to the next step—shredding it for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: Bringing It All Together
Now that your chicken is tender and perfectly cooked, it’s time to turn this dish into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. The next steps will transform the slow-cooked ingredients into a rich, comforting spaghetti dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Let’s get back into the kitchen and finish this up!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken has finished cooking, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board or a large plate. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Since it’s been slow-cooked, it should fall apart easily.
Now, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now for the best part—the cheese! This is what gives the dish its signature creamy texture and rich, cheesy taste.
Add the diced cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything together as much as possible, then cover and cook on low for 20-30 minutes.
Why this step is important: The slow melting of the cheese ensures it blends seamlessly into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. If you stir too soon, the cream cheese may not fully incorporate, so be patient and let the heat do its work.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
While the cheese is melting, it’s time to prepare the spaghetti.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. This means the noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Pro Tip: If you want to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together while it waits, toss it with a small amount of olive oil.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, give everything a good stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed. The sauce should be thick, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Now, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the crockpot. Using tongs or a large spoon, mix the pasta into the cheesy sauce, making sure every strand is well coated.
At this point, your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is officially ready to serve! The rich, gooey cheese combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite absolutely delicious.
Bonus Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Want more spice? Use hot diced tomatoes with green chiles or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Prefer a thinner sauce? Stir in a little chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. Just shred it and add it in with the cheese.
- Making ahead? This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Now that your spaghetti is ready, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions before wrapping up this delicious recipe! Keep reading for extra tips and tricks.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: FAQs & Final Thoughts
By now, your Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is warm, cheesy, and ready to be devoured. But before we wrap things up, let’s go over some common questions that might pop up while making this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute it with fettuccine, penne, or rotini if you prefer. Shorter pasta shapes are great for easier serving and mixing.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy. You can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then cook the spaghetti fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes meal prep even easier.
4. What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, stir in a little chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Adding small amounts at a time will help prevent it from becoming too runny.
5. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! If you want to speed things up, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken in the crockpot. Just add it in with the cheese and let it warm through for about 20-30 minutes.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, you can:
- Use hot diced tomatoes with green chiles instead of the regular version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Stir in a few drops of hot sauce before serving.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy sauce can change texture when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, make sure to reheat it slowly and add extra liquid to help bring back the creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a slow-cooker meal that’s both easy and delicious. Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors—all made with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spice levels to make it your own. And don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends who love a good slow-cooker meal.
Happy cooking!
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Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. With tender shredded chicken, a velvety cheese sauce, and the perfect amount of spice from diced tomatoes with green chiles, this dish is an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a stress-free dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz.) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 oz. cream cheese, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (16 oz.) spaghetti
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Add the chicken breasts, diced tomatoes with green chiles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot.
Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
Add the Cheese
Stir in the diced cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on low for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and combined into a creamy sauce.
Cook the Spaghetti
While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Stir the cooked spaghetti into the crockpot mixture, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—just add it in during the last 30 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
