Crockpot chicken spaghetti is the perfect hands-off dinner that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness all come together in one pot for a satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make, and it’s the ultimate comfort food. The crockpot does all the work, so I don’t have to worry about constantly checking on it. The chicken comes out tender and flavorful, and the spaghetti absorbs all the creamy sauce, creating a rich and hearty dish. The cheesy topping is always a hit, adding that gooey, melty finish that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and leftovers, making it budget-friendly as well!
Ingredients
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
-
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
-
1 ½ cups chicken broth
-
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
-
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
Salt and pepper to taste
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
-
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
-
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
-
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
-
Add the uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot, breaking it in half if necessary to fit. Stir the spaghetti into the sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated.
-
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it in with the pasta and sauce.
-
Cover and cook on low for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. If the sauce seems too thick, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
-
Once the pasta is ready, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 4.5 to 6.5 hours to prepare, depending on your crockpot and the size of your chicken. It’s a perfect meal for a busy day when I want something easy yet filling.
Variations
I love to make variations of this dish by adding different vegetables. For example, I’ve added frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. If I want to spice things up, I’ll toss in some red pepper flakes or diced green chilies. I’ve also used different types of cheese, like pepper jack or Parmesan, for a twist on the flavor profile. If I’m looking for a lighter version, I swap out the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for a lower-fat or homemade version.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers of crockpot chicken spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm it up in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well—just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it up as usual.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen chicken can be used, but you’ll need to add extra cooking time. I recommend cooking it on low for 6-7 hours if using frozen chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While spaghetti is traditional, I’ve used other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta might require slightly different cooking times.
Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken, you can use bone-in chicken as well. Just be sure to remove the bones after cooking and before adding the pasta. Bone-in chicken might take a bit longer to cook—about 6-7 hours on low.
Can I make this dish without ranch seasoning?
If I don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, I can use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and a little bit of salt to add flavor. It will change the flavor slightly, but it’s still delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for making ahead! I sometimes prep everything in the crockpot the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, I just start it cooking in the morning for an easy dinner when I get home.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken spaghetti is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a comforting, easy, and flavorful meal. The chicken comes out incredibly tender, the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce, and the melty cheese on top makes it a true crowd-pleaser. I love that it’s a one-pot meal, and I can set it in the crockpot and forget about it while it cooks. Whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish is always a hit in my house!
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Crockpot chicken spaghetti is a comforting, easy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making it a perfect, hands-off dinner.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours
- Total Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti to the crockpot, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 30-45 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Add more chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added vegetables, you can toss in frozen peas, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Try using different types of cheese such as pepper jack or Parmesan for variation.
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream of soups for lower-fat or homemade versions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg