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This creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something comforting with minimal effort. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich blend of cream soups, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes, then gets tossed with spaghetti and melted mozzarella for a dish that’s both hearty and kid friendly. It’s one of those recipes you can set and forget, making busy evenings a breeze.
I made this on a hectic evening and loved that it was basically nofuss for me but full of comforting flavors. My family keeps asking for it, and I appreciate how it stretches to feed everyone without stress.
Ingredients
- Cream of chicken soup: the creamy base providing richness, look for no sodium added if controlling salt
- Cream of celery soup: adds a subtle herby flavor, can substitute cream of mushroom for different notes
- Diced tomatoes: use classic diced tomatoes for acidity or mild salsa for a bit of a kick and extra flavor
- Cream cheese: cubed and softened for even melting and smooth texture, helps create the creamy sauce
- Garlic powder: adds that punch of garlic without the fuss, fresh minced garlic can be substituted if preferred
- Oregano: brings warmth and earthiness balancing the richness of the cheese and soups
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: provide tender protein, thighs give more flavor but breasts are leaner
- Spaghetti: cooked separately to avoid mushiness, any tubular pasta also works well as a swap
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: for meltiness and mild cheesiness, try pepper jack or Mexican blend for different tastes
- Salt and pepper: to taste and adjust the seasoning once finished
Instructions
- Spoon the Soups and Cheese in the Crock Pot:
- Into a 6 quart slow cooker, pour the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese. The combination of these ingredients forms the rich and creamy sauce base that will gently cook and melt together for hours.
- Season and Stir:
- Add the garlic powder and oregano to the slow cooker, then stir well to fully combine the spices into the sauce mixture. This builds a harmonious seasoning foundation so every bite has balanced flavor.
- Add the Chicken and Cook Low and Slow:
- Place the chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they are covered. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily. The slow cooking tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with the delicious sauce.
- Shred the Chicken and Prepare Pasta:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them with two forks on a cutting board. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well so it doesn’t water down your sauce.
- Combine Everything and Melt the Cheese:
- Return the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the slow cooker with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and stir everything together. Cover and let the cheese melt for about five minutes to create a luscious, cheesy coating.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Give the chicken spaghetti a taste and add salt, pepper, or extra garlic powder and oregano if desired. Stir again and serve warm, letting everyone enjoy the creamy richness and tender chicken with every bite.
My favorite ingredient has to be the cream cheese because it brings such a velvety texture that transforms simple canned soups into a luscious sauce. One evening, my kids had this after a busy day and just couldn’t stop smiling with every cheesy forkful — a true comfort food hit in our household.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over mediumlow heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. This simple trick keeps the sauce luscious just like fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have cream of celery soup, cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup are excellent swaps with slightly different flavor nuances. Try mild salsa instead of diced tomatoes for a subtle smoky and tangy twist without adding heat. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juicy, tender meat and richer flavor. For the pasta, rigatoni or penne work well as alternatives if you want a different shape to hold more sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken spaghetti pairs perfectly with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls, which soak up the creamy sauce deliciously. For a lighter addition, a big fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and rounds out the meal nicely. Adding steamed or roasted green vegetables on the side is a simple way to get some color and nutrients on the plate too.
This creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is a lifesaver on busy nights. Let the slow cooker do the work and finish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for an easy, comforting meal.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake this dish in the oven. Use a covered baking dish and cook until the chicken is tender and the cheese melts, checking periodically to avoid drying out.
- → What can I use if I don't have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I thin the sauce if it's too thick?
Add a splash of milk or broth gradually and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding fresh spinach in the last few minutes or cooked bacon pieces can enhance flavor and texture.
- → What sides pair well with this creamy chicken spaghetti?
Garlic bread, fresh breadsticks, or a large side salad complement this dish beautifully.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a bit of milk or broth to restore creaminess.