There is something undeniably comforting about a dinner that combines cheesy goodness with the ease of a slow cooker, and that is exactly what you get with this Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth with melty cheese, tender chicken, and pasta all mingling together, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. If you love a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that rich, creamy, and flavorful dinner. From tender chicken to delectable cheeses and just the right touch of spice, every element is essential for building the perfect cheesy spaghetti.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets tender and juicy as it slow cooks.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and depth to the sauce without any fuss.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Offers a subtle kick and brightens the dish with zesty flavors.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps keep everything moist and enhances the savory base.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed: Melts beautifully into a smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed: Adds an extra layer of creamy indulgence.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic touch to every bite.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds depth and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained: The comforting pasta base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Gives a fresh, vibrant finish to this hearty dish.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a cozy bed for the delicious sauce that will follow. This sets the stage for the chicken to soak up those wonderful flavors while it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Next, pour in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over everything. Give it a gentle stir to combine, just enough to distribute the seasoning without disrupting the chicken breasts. This combination builds the creamy, slightly spicy base of your cheesy dinner.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its magic on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with that flavorful sauce, making shredding a breeze later on.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Don’t rush this part; lovingly shredding the chicken ensures every bite is tender and coated in that tasty sauce when you add it back.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss in the Velveeta and cream cheese cubes. Stir everything together and let the cheeses melt completely over the next 20 to 30 minutes, transforming the sauce into a dreamy, cheesy blanket for your pasta.
Step 6: Prepare the Spaghetti
While the cheese melts, cook your spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well—you want to avoid sogginess in your final dish. The spaghetti will soon marry perfectly with the creamy chicken mixture.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Stir the cooked spaghetti into the cheesy chicken sauce until the noodles are evenly coated with that luscious, cheesy goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving this heartwarming dinner piping hot.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped fresh parsley is a simple way to bring brightness and a hint of herbal freshness to the dish. You might also consider shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy layer or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, crunchy textures balance the creamy richness of the pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cheesy chicken spaghetti story in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop a bed of sautéed spinach. You could also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or ladle it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To maintain best texture, freeze it before adding the cooked spaghetti noodles, then mix them in when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick. Stir often to ensure the cheese melts smoothly and the dish is warmed through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the Velveeta and cream cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and choose a creamy dairy-free soup option. Keep in mind this may change the texture slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with forks after 5-6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. If unsure, you can check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker does the heavy lifting here, you can make a stovetop version by simmering the sauce ingredients with chicken breasts on low heat and covering until cooked through, then following the shredding and cheese-melting steps.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little kick, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce before cooking. You can also top with hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes when serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fuss-free, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug straight from the kitchen, you have to try this Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser with the kind of creamy cheesiness and tender chicken that makes every bite just right. Give it a go, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want comfort food made effortlessly.
Print
Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 1-Pot Cheesy Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting one-pot cheesy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly in a creamy, flavorful sauce with Velveeta and cream cheese, combined with diced tomatoes and seasonings, then tossed with spaghetti noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Place the raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a base for the creamy sauce.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the cream of chicken soup, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Melt the cheeses: Add the cubed Velveeta and cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir and let the cheeses melt into the sauce over 20–30 minutes, creating a creamy texture.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles: While the cheese melts, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the cheesy chicken mixture, mixing thoroughly until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the creamy chicken spaghetti hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute Velveeta cheese with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a different flavor.
- Cooking the noodles just before serving maintains their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain creaminess.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
