Slow cooker chicken spaghetti combines tender chicken, rich cream, cheddar cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. Comfort in every bite!
Okay, let me set the scene. It was one of those chaotic weekdays where everything felt just a little out of control. My to-do list was winning, the laundry pile was laughing at me, and dinner? Well, dinner wasn’t even on my radar yet. Sound familiar? That’s when this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti saved the day.
I remember pulling out my slow cooker with a mix of hope and desperation. I had chicken, some leftover spaghetti, and a handful of pantry staples that, honestly, I wasn’t even sure would go together. But something magical happened. By dinnertime, the house smelled like I’d been slaving over the stove for hours (spoiler: I hadn’t). And when my family dug in, they didn’t just eat—they devoured. It was one of those rare moments where you sit back, watch the table chatter, and think, I nailed it.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup for maximum flavor. Can I get an amen?
- Ridiculously Creamy: That sauce? Velvety smooth, cheesy perfection.
- Make It Your Own: It’s versatile enough to handle whatever veggies or spices you throw at it.
- Kid-Approved: Even my picky eater gave it two thumbs up.
Ingredient Notes:
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a symphony of flavors coming together. Here’s the scoop:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless work best here. Shred them for that perfect saucy bite.
- Diced Tomatoes: I love using the basil, garlic, and oregano variety for extra flavor.
- Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soups: They’re the ultimate shortcut to a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: White cheddar adds a sharpness that balances the richness of the cream.
- Heavy Cream: It’s the glue that holds everything together. Milk can sub in a pinch, but cream is the real MVP.
- Spaghetti: Cook it just until al dente—it’ll soak up the sauce like a pro.
How To Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti?
I promise, this is as easy as it gets. Ready?
Step 1: The Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. No chopping, no fuss—just plop them in.
Step 2: The Sauce
In a mixing bowl, stir together your diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, soups, and spices. (Yes, it looks like a random mix, but trust me, it works.) Pour this over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. Go about your day while your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Seriously, the anticipation might kill you.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before serving, pull out the chicken and shred it with two forks. Toss it back into the sauce and stir it all together. This is where the magic really happens.
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Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your slow cooker finishes up, boil your spaghetti until it’s just al dente. Drain it and stir it into the slow cooker. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes every strand of pasta soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in your cheddar cheese. Let it all melt together for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream to keep it silky.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly for the best texture.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
- Switch the Protein: Try turkey or even shrimp for a fun twist.
- Go Veggie: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your soups are GF-certified.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti?
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs = happiness.
- Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad adds the perfect crunch.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by an hour to ensure it cooks through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Prep it all in the slow cooker, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.
What’s the best way to reheat this?
Low and slow is key. A microwave works fine, but the stovetop is even better with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
And there you have it—Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti that’s as comforting as a warm hug. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try it out and let me know—did your house smell amazing too? Or did you add your own twist? I can’t wait to hear all about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 medium bell pepper any color, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15- ounce can of diced tomatoes partially drained (I prefer the variety with basil, garlic, and oregano)
- 10- ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 10- ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces dried spaghetti
- 1 c shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 c heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts. In the slow cooker.
Make Veggie Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl. Combine the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. With partially drained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything. Is well mixed.
Cook:
- Pour the veggie mixture. Over the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensuring the chicken. Is fully covered.
- Cover. And cook on LOW. For 6-8 hours. I haven’t tested cooking this on HIGH. So results may vary.
Shred Chicken:
- About 30-40 minutes. Before you plan to serve. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. And shred them using two forks. Or your preferred method.
- Return the shredded chicken. To the slow cooker. And stir it back. Into the sauce.
Cook the Pasta:
- Approximately 20-30 minutes before serving. Bring a large pot of salted water. To a boil. Cook the pasta. According to the package instructions. Then drain. And add it to the slow cooker.
Add Cream and Cheese:
- Pour in the heavy cream. And stir in the shredded cheese. Mix well. Then cover the slow cooker. And let it sit for about 5 minutes. To warm the cream. And melt the cheese.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the cover. Garnish with chopped parsley. And serve the dish hot.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
