This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Dinner is a real time-saver! With chicken, pasta, and a tasty sauce, everything cooks together to make a warm, comforting meal.
The best part? You just throw all the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work. It’s like having a personal chef, only without the fancy hat. 🍝
I love serving this dish with a simple green salad. It’s an easy way to balance things out and makes dinner feel complete without much effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here. It’s quick and tasty! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using sliced turkey instead, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Soups: The recipe uses cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups to make a creamy base. If you’re dairy-free, opt for coconut cream or a non-dairy cream soup. There are great brands available that work well!
Diced Tomatoes: You can use fresh tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand, just chop them up! If you’re looking for a little heat, try spicy diced tomatoes instead.
Pasta: Spaghetti is traditional, but you can use any pasta you like! Penne or rotini are fun alternatives. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Ingredients?
Getting flavor from your ingredients is key to a great dish. Here are a few tips:
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper before putting it in the crockpot. It will enhance the overall flavor.
- Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to your slow cooker can really deepen the flavors. A quick fry in a pan with a little oil can work wonders!
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This gives the flavors time to meld even more!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 3 to 4 hours to cook in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day—just set it up in the morning and let the slow cooker do the rest!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
Start by placing your shredded cooked chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. This forms a hearty base for your dish.
2. Adding the Sauces and Veggies:
Next, add the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
3. Mixing in the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and give it another stir. This will help create a nice, creamy sauce as it cooks.
4. Stirring in the Pasta:
Add the broken spaghetti pieces to the mixture. Press them down gently into the sauce so they can soak up all those delicious flavors.
5. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked through. You’ll love how the smell fills your kitchen!
6. Melting the Cheese:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover it again and let the cheese melt into the dish.
7. Final Touches:
Once the cheese is melted, stir gently to mix it throughout the chicken spaghetti. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serving:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your hearty, creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti with minimal effort!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through completely. It’s best to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with an equal amount of another cream soup, like cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce. For a healthier option, try using plain Greek yogurt or sour cream!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just take it out to bring to room temperature before cooking, and adjust the time if it’s cold when you start.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
