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Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

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a Slow Cooker of Chicken Spaghetti
Slow cooker chicken spaghetti is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Jump to Recipe
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time4 hours 40 minutes
Servings6
Table of Contents
  1. Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Ingredients
  2. Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
  4. Troubleshooting This Crock Pot Recipe
  5. How To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
  6. How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
  7. Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Frequently Asked Questions
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE

If you’re after a creamy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker chicken spaghetti is a game-changer. Tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce—all made with simple pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, and freshly shredded cheese. Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and pure comfort in every bite. This is a weeknight family dinner made easy.

a Slow Cooker of Chicken Spaghetti
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What You Need To Know

  • MAIN INGREDIENTS: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, Colby Jack cheese, cream cheese, spaghetti, Italian seasoning, minced garlic.
  • QUICK STEPS: Season chicken and place in slow cooker, mix soup and Rotel tomatoes and pour over chicken, cook on low for six hours or high for four hours, shred chicken, add cheeses and cook until melted, mix with cooked spaghetti and serve hot.

Why This Recipe

  • Unlike other recipes, we layer the chicken and sauce ingredients strategically. As a result, the chicken stays moist and tender while the sauce develops rich, deep flavors.
  • In addition, because we cook the spaghetti separately and rinsing it with cold water prevents overcooking and keeps the noodles perfectly al dente.

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Ingredients

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti raw ingredients that are labeled

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts: The base of the dish, these provide tender, juicy chicken that shreds easily after slow cooking.
  • minced garlic: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the sauce.
  • kosher salt
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • onion powder
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that boosts the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy base of the dish and binds the ingredients together.
  • Rotel: Adds a subtle kick and tangy flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
  • colby jack cheese: Provides a rich, melty texture that blends beautifully with the sauce.
  • cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a touch of tang.
  • spaghetti: The perfect pasta to soak up the sauce and tie the dish together.
  • fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Substitutions and Additions

Cream of Chicken Soup: Replace with other cream soups, such as cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup, for a slightly different base flavor. These options pair well with the other ingredients.

Rotel Tomatoes: If you prefer a milder dish, use a can of diced tomatoes without green chilies. For more heat, try adding fire-roasted diced tomatoes.

Colby Jack Cheese: Substitute with sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack for a slightly tangier or creamier finish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

STEP ONE: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a disposable liner to make cleanup easier. This step prevents sticking and ensures the creamy sauce coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.

STEP TWO: Lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Keeping the chicken in a flat layer helps it cook evenly.

STEP THREE: Sprinkle the chicken with minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can use freshly cracked black pepper for a slightly bolder flavor.

chicken sprinkled with minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a slow cooker

STEP FOUR: In a small bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of chicken soup and the can of Rotel tomatoes (including the liquid). This combination creates a creamy, slightly zesty sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken and pasta.

STEP FIVE: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. The sauce will seep into the chicken as it cooks, adding depth to the dish.

STEP SIX: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for six hours or high heat for four hours.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent and maintain the cooking time.

STEP SEVEN: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the tender chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

PRO TIP:

Check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest part; it should no longer be pink.

cooked chicken shredded in a bowl

STEP EIGHT: Add the shredded Colby Jack cheese and cubed cream cheese to the sauce in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and cook on high for another 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Stir to combine the sauce, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.

STEP NINE: While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

STEP TEN: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the cooked spaghetti. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Troubleshooting This Crock Pot Recipe

The spaghetti turns mushy after combining with the sauce.
Cook the spaghetti noodles until just al dente, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and mix them into the sauce just before serving.

The sauce is too thick or too runny.
If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a small amount of chicken broth or pasta water. If too runny, let the sauce sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken before adding the spaghetti.

The cream cheese doesn’t fully melt into the sauce.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened and cubed before adding it to the slow cooker, and stir well after melting to incorporate it evenly into the sauce.

The chicken shreds unevenly or has tough spots.
Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding, and shred it with two forks while it’s still warm for even pieces.

The cheese clumps instead of melting smoothly.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

The spaghetti sticks together while waiting to be mixed in.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with a small amount of olive oil after draining to keep the noodles from clumping together.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Turn your slow cooker chicken spaghetti into a complete, satisfying meal with these simple and delicious side dish ideas.

  • Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread’s buttery crunch complements the creamy texture of the spaghetti.
  • Olive Garden Salad: Recreate the classic restaurant favorite at home with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and a zesty dressing that pairs well with the spaghetti.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Adding a medley of roasted vegetables brings both color and flavor to your plate.

How To Store Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

Proper storage of this slow cooker creamy chicken spaghetti makes it easy to enjoy leftovers or prepare this slow cooker chicken spaghetti in advance. Whether you’re planning ahead or saving extra portions, these tips will help keep your dish fresh and flavorful.

MAKE AHEAD: You can make the sauce and chicken portion of this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as instructed, then cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce, cook the spaghetti noodles fresh, and combine everything before serving.

IN THE FRIDGE: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the dish is fully cooled before transferring it to the container to prevent excess moisture.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken spaghetti to a freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm using your preferred method. Frozen pasta may soften slightly, so consider freezing the sauce and chicken separately from the spaghetti for the best texture.

REHEATING:

  • STOVETOP: reheat the spaghetti over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • MICROWAVE: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the pasta directly in the crockpot?

Cooking pasta directly in the crockpot can result in a mushy texture because it absorbs too much liquid and continues to cook as it sits in the sauce. To avoid this, it’s best to cook the pasta separately until al dente, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process, and then mix it into the sauce just before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta for slow cooker chicken spaghetti?

Yes, you can use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, but be sure to cook it to al dente and rinse with cold water to avoid overcooking when mixed into the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach can be added to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.

How do I shred the chicken easily?

To shred the chicken easily, use two forks while it’s still warm, or place it in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on low for a few seconds.

This slow cooker chicken spaghetti recipe is a comforting, no-fuss meal that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish the whole family will love. It’s the perfect choice for busy nights when you need something simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

a plate of Chicken Spaghetti with a fork

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a Slow Cooker of Chicken Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

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Slow cooker chicken spaghetti is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
  • 21 ounces undiluted cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 ounces cans)
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles
  • 2 cups freshly shredded colby jack cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 16 ounces package spaghetti
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley, optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 6-7 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, or line with a slow cooker disposable liner.
  • Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, onion powder and italian seasoning over the chicken breast.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 cans of undiluted soup and the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles with liquid.
  • Spoon the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6.
  • After the 4 hour, or the 6 hour cooking time, check that the chicken is completely cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate or bowl. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken breast.
  • Add the shredded colby jack cheese and cubed softened cream cheese. Replace the lid and cook on high for another 30 minutes. Remove the lid and check the cheese is fully melted, before stirring the cheeses and sauce together.
  • While the cheese is melting in the slow cooker, cook the 16 ounces of spaghetti, according to package directions. Drain the spaghetti and rinse with cold water. (This will stop the cooking process and help ensure the noodles do not become mushy)
  • Add in the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti, and stir to combine and to completely coat the noodles. Serve while hot.

Notes

  • It is very important to cook the spaghetti as directed on the package instructions, and do not over cook the noodles. Also, draining the noodles well will also help avoid mushy noodles.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breast.
  • Angel hair pasta and thin spaghetti are good substitutes for regular spaghetti.
  • If you are wanting a spicier version, you can use hot diced tomatoes and green chilies, or ¼ to ½ teaspoon of chili powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 751kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1744mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 970IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 381mg | Iron: 3mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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