The aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich tomato sauce with herbs wafts through the air, promising a cozy evening ahead. Welcome to the delightful world of Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti, where comfort food meets convenience in one delicious dish.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken in this crockpot chicken spaghetti?
- What pasta works best for this recipe?
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: it’s a busy weekday evening, and you’re juggling work emails while trying to whip up dinner. With this magical recipe, you can toss everything into your trusty crockpot and let it do all the heavy lifting while you sip on a glass of wine and contemplate life choices.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make dish combines juicy chicken with pasta in a creamy sauce that everyone will love
- It’s visually appealing with vibrant colors that make it perfect for family gatherings
- Plus, you can customize it based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences
- The leftovers?
- They taste even better the next day!
Sharing this meal with my family brought smiles all around as they eagerly dug in for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; trust me, you don’t want to skimp here!
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience; they pack lots of flavor without any fuss.
- Spaghetti Pasta: I prefer whole wheat spaghetti; it adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances the dish’s herbal notes; feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them!
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness; don’t skip this step unless you’re dairy-free—then use cashew cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—this cheese brings everything together with its salty goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste before serving to ensure it’s just right.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing your boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Season them generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy!
Add Flavor Bombs: Toss in chopped garlic and Italian seasoning over the chicken. The fragrance will instantly fill your kitchen like an Italian trattoria.
Pour on Crushed Tomatoes: Carefully pour canned crushed tomatoes over the seasoned chicken. The bright red color signals deliciousness coming your way.
Add Creamy Goodness: Cube your cream cheese and sprinkle it evenly on top of the tomatoes. As it melts during cooking, it’ll create a luscious sauce.
Set It and Forget It!: Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Go binge-watch that show you’ve been meaning to catch up on!
Cook Your Pasta Separately: About 20 minutes before serving, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well but don’t rinse—it’s part of the magic!
Toss It All Together!: Once your chicken is cooked through (and smelling divine), shred it right in the pot using two forks. Mix in your cooked spaghetti until everything is combined beautifully.
Now serve up generous portions into bowls—garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired—and enjoy every comforting bite!
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti has become our go-to weeknight meal because it’s simple yet bursting with flavors that please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday dinner or a special occasion with friends, this dish never disappoints!
You Must Know
- This delightful crockpot chicken spaghetti transforms a busy day into an easy dinner experience
- The rich, savory aroma fills your home, making it feel like a warm hug
- Perfect for family meals or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning and searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then add your veggies. Cook everything together in the crockpot for a comforting, saucy meal that’s ready when you are.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or even beef, and experiment with different pasta shapes. Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your chicken moist by not overcooking it; use a thermometer to check doneness at 165°F
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end for maximum flavor impact
- Use high-quality pasta to ensure it holds up well in the sauce
Cooking this dish reminds me of my friend’s epic dinner party where everyone raved about how easy it was to make such a flavorful meal!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this crockpot chicken spaghetti?
Yes, but ensure it cooks thoroughly before serving for safety.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or fettuccine holds up nicely in the sauce without getting mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving for convenience.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights. This hassle-free recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour crushed tomatoes on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Cube cream cheese and sprinkle it over the tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Shred cooked chicken in the crockpot and mix in spaghetti until well combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg