Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti – Easy, Creamy & Cheesy Slow Cooker Dinner
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy, comforting, and absolutely delicious! Tender shredded chicken, spaghetti noodles, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce come together in the slow cooker for an easy family dinner everyone will love.
If you’re looking for an easy crockpot chicken recipe that uses simple ingredients and makes a hearty, satisfying meal, this cheesy chicken spaghetti is perfect!
Made with boneless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and delicious seasonings, this slow cooker chicken spaghetti is packed with flavor.
The chicken cooks until tender and juicy, then gets shredded and mixed into a creamy, cheesy sauce. Cooked spaghetti noodles are stirred in at the end, creating a wonderful homemade comfort food dinner with very little effort.
I love recipes like this because the crockpot does most of the work, and you end up with a delicious dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon.
Serve this creamy chicken spaghetti with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for an easy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Easy slow cooker dinner: Let the crockpot cook the chicken and creamy sauce while you go about your day.
- Rich and cheesy: Loaded with melted cheddar cheese and a delicious creamy sauce.
- Tender shredded chicken: Chicken breasts cook until juicy and easy to shred.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and everyday ingredients.
- Family-friendly: A hearty, comforting pasta dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch or another easy dinner.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: A generous recipe that’s wonderful for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Makes approximately 6–8 servings.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange them in an even layer.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Sauce Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut the butter into small pieces and scatter them over the top of the chicken and sauce.
Cover the crockpot with the lid.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your slow cooker.
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as chicken breasts can become dry if left in the crockpot too long.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
Place them on a cutting board or large plate.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the crockpot.
Stir until the cream cheese begins melting into the sauce.
Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Cook the Spaghetti
While the cheese is melting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the spaghetti, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Do not rinse the noodles.
Step 8: Add the Spaghetti to the Crockpot
Add the drained spaghetti noodles to the slow cooker.
Using tongs, gently toss the spaghetti with the shredded chicken and creamy cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or warm chicken broth, a few Tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 9: Add the Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken spaghetti.
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for approximately 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Turn the slow cooker to the WARM setting.
Sprinkle the chicken spaghetti with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot, creamy, and cheesy.
Enjoy!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love easy crockpot dinners, especially when they’re creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious comfort food flavor!
And this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dinner without spending a lot of time standing over the stove.
The combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and spaghetti noodles is just so good.
I especially love adding Rotel tomatoes because they give the sauce a wonderful flavor without making it overly spicy.
And the combination of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, and cheddar makes the sauce so rich and delicious.
One thing I really recommend is cooking the spaghetti separately and adding it to the crockpot at the end.
This keeps the noodles from becoming too soft or mushy while the chicken cooks.
Once everything is stirred together, you get this wonderful, creamy chicken spaghetti that’s loaded with cheesy goodness.
I think this would be delicious served with buttery garlic bread and a fresh salad.
It’s also a great recipe for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need to feed several people without making a complicated dinner.
And if you love extra cheese, you can always sprinkle a little more cheddar over the top before serving!
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Cook the Spaghetti Separately
For the best texture, cook the spaghetti on the stovetop and stir it into the slow cooker after the chicken is finished.
Cooking dry spaghetti in the crockpot for several hours can cause it to become mushy.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheddar
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts smoothly and creates a delicious creamy sauce.
Pre-shredded cheese works, but it may not melt quite as smoothly because of the anti-caking ingredients.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts cook relatively quickly in a slow cooker.
Check the internal temperature and remove them once they reach 165°F.
Use the Rotel Juice
Don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes!
The liquid adds flavor and helps create the creamy sauce.
Soften the Cream Cheese
Allow the cream cheese to soften before adding it to the crockpot.
Cutting it into small cubes also helps it melt evenly.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the spaghetti, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
Don’t Leave the Pasta on Warm Too Long
Once the spaghetti is added, serve it relatively soon.
Leaving cooked pasta in the slow cooker for several hours can cause the noodles to absorb too much sauce and become overly soft.
Can You Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely!
Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut for making Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti.
Instead of using raw chicken breasts, add approximately 3–4 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken to the crockpot along with the soups, Rotel, broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings.
Cook on LOW for approximately 1–2 hours, until the sauce is hot and the chicken is heated through.
Add the cream cheese and cheddar, then stir in the cooked spaghetti.
This is a great option when you want an even faster dinner.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: Use hot Rotel tomatoes and add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Bacon Chicken Spaghetti: Stir in crispy cooked bacon before serving for extra smoky flavor.
Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti: Add steamed broccoli florets when you stir in the cooked spaghetti.
Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: Add 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning for a delicious Southern-inspired twist.
Mexican Chicken Spaghetti: Add taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and a little extra Rotel for a Tex-Mex version.
Extra Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti: Add Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese along with the cheddar.
Mushroom Chicken Spaghetti: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra savory flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti: Add buffalo sauce and a little ranch seasoning for a spicy, creamy variation.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
This creamy chicken spaghetti is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of easy side dishes.
- Homemade Garlic Bread
- Buttery Dinner Rolls
- Caesar Salad
- Fresh Garden Salad
- Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Roasted Carrots
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Steamed Asparagus
- Southern Green Beans
- Homemade Breadsticks
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Can You Make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and creamy sauce ahead of time.
Cook the chicken in the slow cooker, shred it, and stir it into the sauce.
Allow the mixture to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce until thoroughly hot.
Cook the spaghetti fresh and stir it into the warm sauce along with the cheese.
This method helps keep the noodles from absorbing too much sauce while stored.
How to Store Leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Allow the chicken spaghetti to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
The spaghetti will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little milk or chicken broth when reheating.
How to Reheat Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Microwave: Place a serving of chicken spaghetti in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Stovetop: Place the chicken spaghetti in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or milk and stir gently until creamy and heated through.
Oven: Transfer the chicken spaghetti to a covered baking dish and reheat at 325°F until hot throughout.
For food safety, reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Can You Freeze Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
You can freeze this recipe, although creamy sauces and cooked spaghetti may change texture after thawing.
For the best results, freeze the shredded chicken and sauce before adding the spaghetti.
Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat thoroughly, and stir in freshly cooked spaghetti and cheese before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy slow cooker pasta dish made with tender shredded chicken, spaghetti noodles, cream soups, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Can I Put Uncooked Spaghetti in the Crockpot?
You can cook pasta in some slow cooker recipes, but I recommend cooking the spaghetti separately for this recipe.
It gives you much better control over the texture and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay tender and juicy during slow cooking.
Adjust the cooking time as needed and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F.
Is Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Spicy?
This recipe has a mild flavor when made with original Rotel tomatoes.
If you prefer less heat, use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes.
Can I Use Velveeta Instead of Cheddar?
Absolutely! You can replace some or all of the shredded cheddar with cubed Velveeta for an extra smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
Why Is My Chicken Spaghetti Dry?
The spaghetti may have absorbed too much sauce, or the dish may have cooked too long after adding the noodles.
Stir in a little warm chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
Can I Use a Different Pasta?
Yes! Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or rotini all work well with the creamy chicken sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes! Replace the cream of mushroom soup with another can of cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, provided your slow cooker is large enough to safely accommodate the ingredients.
For a large gathering, you can also make two separate batches.
More Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti, be sure to try some of these other delicious slow cooker dinners!
- Crockpot Baked Ziti
- Crockpot Ritz Cracker Chicken
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Crockpot Angel Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Crockpot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Crockpot Rotel Rice
- Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights, cozy family meals, or anytime you’re craving creamy, cheesy comfort food.
With tender shredded chicken, rich creamy sauce, Rotel tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, every bite is loaded with delicious flavor.
It’s simple to make, hearty, satisfying, and a wonderful way to feed the whole family with very little effort.
Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a delicious homemade dinner everyone will love.
Save this easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe for later and make it for your next family dinner!
