Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: the ultimate comfort food, reimagined for busy weeknights! Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s been simmering to perfection in your crockpot. Sounds divine, right? This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.

Chicken spaghetti, in its various forms, has been a beloved dish in American households for generations. While its exact origins are debated, many believe it evolved from resourceful cooks looking for ways to stretch leftover chicken into a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti so irresistible? It’s the combination of flavors and textures, of course! The savory chicken, the al dente spaghetti, and the rich, creamy sauce create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. But beyond the taste, it’s the sheer convenience that makes this recipe a winner. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot in the morning, and by evening, a complete and comforting dinner awaits. No slaving over a hot stove required! It’s the perfect solution for busy families who crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our ingredients. This will make the whole cooking process so much smoother. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way!

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or you can cook your own. If you’re cooking your own, I recommend poaching chicken breasts in chicken broth for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let them cool slightly, then shred them with two forks. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred the chicken and set aside. Having pre-cooked chicken on hand is a real time-saver!
2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic. I like to chop my veggies into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and blend nicely into the spaghetti. Don’t skip this step – the veggies add so much flavor!

Sautéing the Vegetables (Optional, but Recommended!):

While this recipe is designed for the crockpot, I highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. This step really deepens the flavor and adds a lovely caramelized sweetness to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this, but I promise it’s worth the effort!

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the chopped green and red bell peppers to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes. The peppers should still have a little bit of a bite to them.
3. Transfer to Crockpot: Once the vegetables are sautéed, transfer them to your crockpot.

Assembling the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together in the crockpot! This is where the magic happens. Just layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do its thing.

1. Add the Soups and Tomatoes: In the crockpot, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and diced pimentos. Don’t drain the Rotel – the liquid adds flavor and moisture to the dish.
2. Stir in the Seasonings: Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of soup!
3. Add the Chicken and Cheese: Add the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the sauce to be heated through.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

While the chicken and sauce are simmering in the crockpot, it’s time to cook the spaghetti. I like to cook my spaghetti al dente, which means it’s slightly firm to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the crockpot.

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Drain the Spaghetti: Drain the spaghetti well in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the excess water!

Combining the Spaghetti and Sauce:

This is the final step! We’re almost there. Now we’re going to combine the cooked spaghetti with the delicious chicken and sauce from the crockpot.

1. Add Spaghetti to Crockpot: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the crockpot. Gently stir to combine the spaghetti with the chicken and sauce. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can break the spaghetti.
2. Heat Through: Cover the crockpot and let the spaghetti heat through for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serving and Enjoying:

Time to eat! This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit.

1. Serve: Serve the Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti hot.
2. Optional Toppings: Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a nice touch of freshness.
3. Enjoy! Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti! I hope you love it as much as my family does.

Tips and Variations:

• Cream Cheese: For an even creamier dish, add 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into cubes, to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Mushrooms: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a can of hot Rotel.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, peas, or carrots.
• Chicken Broth: If the spaghetti seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to the crockpot.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the crockpot chicken spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just add the spaghetti when you’re ready to cook it.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it. The creamy, cheesy sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked spaghetti all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that’s incredibly satisfying. Forget slaving over a hot stove – this recipe is all about convenience without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and honestly, who doesn’t want more of that in their life? What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s the simplicity! The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle other things. Plus, the ingredients are readily available, and the steps are so easy to follow, even a beginner cook can nail it. But beyond the ease, it’s the taste that truly shines. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve with quicker methods. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! For a classic presentation, serve it straight from the crockpot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread. If you’re feeling fancy, you could top it with some grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Want to add some extra veggies? Throw in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the last hour of cooking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whole wheat spaghetti or substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a lower-fat alternative. Another great variation is to use different types of cheese. Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. You can also experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini, penne, or even egg noodles would work well in this recipe. And if you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even sausage. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile and adaptable to your own personal preferences. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to experience a truly delicious and effortless meal. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #MyCrockpotCreation. I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces and hear all about your delicious adventures with this recipe. Happy cooking!

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