Ultimate Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: Your New Favorite Easy Weeknight Dinner
Imagine a dinner that’s both incredibly comforting and unbelievably easy to make. This cheesy, creamy, and slightly spicy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is precisely that dish! It’s the perfect solution for those “I just don’t feel like cooking tonight” evenings, promising a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying, and utterly irresistible pasta dish that your entire family will ask for again and again. Get ready to embrace your new favorite dump-and-go meal!
Why This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken and pasta dish; it’s a culinary triumph built on simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Cooking: The magic of the crockpot means you literally dump the ingredients, set it, and forget it. No standing over a hot stove, no multiple pots and pans.
- Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy: Thanks to the combination of cream of chicken soup and Velveeta, this spaghetti boasts an unparalleled creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor that coats every strand of pasta.
- A Hint of Spice: Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies) add a subtle warmth and a touch of tang, elevating the flavor profile without being overly spicy. You can choose mild or hot Rotel based on your preference.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of cheesy pasta, especially on a cold evening or when you need a little pick-me-up. This dish delivers ultimate comfort.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this creamy chicken spaghetti. It’s a fantastic way to please everyone at the dinner table.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few minutes of prep, you can achieve a deeply flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours of effort.
Are you ready to simplify your meal planning and impress your family with a delicious, hassle-free dinner? Let’s dive into how to create this incredible crockpot masterpiece!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is truly as easy as 1-2-3, with a fourth step for those who enjoy a little extra flair!
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, simply “dump” in the can of cream of chicken soup, the Rotel tomatoes (undrained), the chicken broth, and the cubed Velveeta cheese. These ingredients will meld together beautifully as they cook, creating a rich and savory sauce.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is incredibly moist and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, a hand mixer can make quick work of shredding the chicken directly in the crockpot if you’re careful. Return the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce.
- Add Hot Cooked Spaghetti: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your spaghetti according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Drain the spaghetti for an easy weeknight dinner, then add it directly into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Stir everything together until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve (Optional, but Recommended!): For an added touch of freshness and flavor, sprinkle some chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even sliced jalapeños (if you like an extra kick) over the top just before serving. This step is for “fancy pants” or if you’re having guests over, but it genuinely enhances the dish!
There you have it, this crockpot chicken dinner is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Step 4 is just for a little extra pizazz. 😉
This chicken spaghetti is:
- Creamy beyond compare
- Richly cheesy and satisfying
- Boasting just a little hint of spicy warmth
- Perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s night or any time you need a comforting meal.
Making Meal Planning Easy: Your Crockpot Companion
Are you glad for the holiday season to be over and eager to get back into the swing of things? I certainly am! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more diligent about planning out our meals, which helps me avoid those frantic, multiple grocery store trips throughout the week. Anyone else right there with me?
This crockpot chicken spaghetti is an absolute game-changer for easy meal planning. It requires hardly any prep, making it perfect for busy schedules. Simply throw a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your crockpot, along with one 10-ounce can of Rotel (mild or hot), one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and about a pound of Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes. Let it cook on low for approximately 4 hours, and you’re well on your way to a spectacular dinner.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Smart Substitutions
While the original recipe calls for Velveeta, which is key for its signature smooth and creamy texture, you do have options! If Velveeta isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it. Instead, simply stir in about 2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well – when you add the spaghetti. Just be aware that without Velveeta, the sauce won’t be quite as creamy and smooth, and you might need to add an additional 1/2 cup of milk or a splash of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully for an even richer flavor. If using frozen chicken, add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on low.
The Rotel tomatoes add a fantastic subtle kick. If you can’t find Rotel, a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of diced green chilies is a perfect substitute. Adjust the ratio to your preferred spice level.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this incredible crockpot chicken spaghetti with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. The pull apart garlic rolls, as shown in the photos, are another absolute must-have side. My kids adore helping me make these easy rolls, turning this into one of those magical dinners that practically prepares itself! Other fantastic serving suggestions include steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or simply a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti to al dente (slightly firm) before adding it to the crockpot. It will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you love heat, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the crockpot. For less spice, use mild Rotel.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor by stirring in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers along with the cooked spaghetti.
- Other Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even shorter shapes like penne or rotini for a different texture.
- Extra Richness: For an even richer, more decadent sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a block of cream cheese (softened) along with the shredded chicken.
- Make it Smokey: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth to the dish.
- Herbal Touches: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can enhance the overall flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can! Just place them in the crockpot frozen. You may need to increase the cooking time on low by 1-2 hours to ensure they are fully cooked and shreddable.
- What if I don’t have Velveeta?
- As mentioned, you can substitute with 2 cups of your favorite shredded cheese (like cheddar or a Mexican blend) and possibly a bit of milk or cream for extra creaminess. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can cook the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the crockpot, then cook fresh spaghetti and combine.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture *before* adding the spaghetti. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, then cook and add fresh spaghetti. Freezing with the spaghetti can sometimes result in mushy pasta upon reheating.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes, mild or hot
- 1 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese (cut in small cubes)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 lb spaghetti (cooked)
Instructions
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Add the chicken breasts, rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, broth, and Velveeta cheese to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Shred the chicken and add the hot cooked spaghetti.
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Top with cilantro, sliced jalapenos, sliced scallions or shredded cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Ready to Enjoy Your New Favorite Comfort Food?
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a declaration of delicious, stress-free dining. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings smiles to faces and warmth to the soul, all without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who appreciates a good, easy recipe, this dish is guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the pure joy of cheesy, creamy crockpot perfection.
Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know what you thought! We love hearing from you.
