Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

This creamy and cheesy Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting dinner that brings together tender chicken, diced tomatoes, and melty cheese in one easy slow cooker meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade dish without the fuss. This recipe is especially great because it’s kid-friendly and picky eater approved, making it a go-to for family dinners that everyone enjoys.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite. Now my family requests it regularly because it’s both comforting and effortless to prepare.

Ingredients

• Cream of chicken soup: provides creamy richness. Use low-sodium varieties if you want to control salt levels
• Cream of celery soup: adds subtle flavor and depth cream of mushroom or extra cream of chicken soup can be swapped if needed
• Diced tomatoes: bring acidity and balance the richness you can substitute salsa for a bit of heat and extra flavor
• Cream cheese: melts into the sauce to give a velvety texture Cubing it and letting it come to room temperature helps it blend well
• Garlic powder: enhances overall flavor fresh minced garlic works too but adjust quantities to taste
• Oregano: adds a warm, herbal note that complements the tomato and cheese
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cook tender and shred easily Chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken can be used as alternatives
• Spaghetti: cooked separately Rigatoni, penne, or other pasta shapes are fine too Avoid tiny pastas that soak up too much sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly to add cheesy goodness pepper jack or Mexican cheese blends work for variety
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning to taste

Instructions

Spoon the Soups and Tomatoes into the Crock Pot:

Pour the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and diced tomatoes into your crock pot. Add the cubed cream cheese on top so it can melt into the sauce later.

Season and Stir the Base:

Sprinkle the garlic powder and oregano over the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to carefully stir everything together until combined, ensuring the cream cheese pieces are gently incorporated but still visible.

Add Chicken and Cook Slowly:

Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they are mostly submerged. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken should become very tender and easy to shred by the end.

Shred Chicken and Prepare Pasta:

Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks on a cutting board. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti separately according to package instructions. Drain the pasta well once cooked.

Combine All Components and Melt Cheese:

Return the shredded chicken and cooked spaghetti to the crock pot with the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and stir everything together. Cover the pot again and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the dish is heated through.

Final Taste and Serve:

Give everything a good stir and taste the dish. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or oregano if you think it needs more seasoning. Serve warm for a creamy, satisfying meal.

It’s my favorite recipe to turn to when I want something cozy and fuss-free. One of my most memorable family moments with this dish is serving it after a long day and seeing everyone’s faces light up at how creamy and flavorful it is, simplicity at its best.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days and reheats beautifully with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. If you want to freeze portions, use freezer safe bags or containers for up to two to three months. Thaw completely before reheating for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream of mushroom soup can replace cream of celery soup for a more earthy flavor. Salsa can substitute diced tomatoes if you want a little extra kick or different flavor profile. Chicken thighs are great if you prefer more flavorful, juicier meat and can be used interchangeably with chicken breasts. Mix up cheese with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a spicy twist. Try different pasta shapes such as rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine based on what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken spaghetti. Garlic bread, breadsticks, or warm dinner rolls make excellent sides for soaking up sauce. Add steamed or sautéed veggies like spinach or broccoli on the side for extra nutrition.

This Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti is an easy family-friendly meal that reheats well and satisfies picky eaters. Let the slow cooker do the work and enjoy a creamy comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust cook time if needed.

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Spaghetti is classic, but rigatoni, penne, bow ties, rotini, linguine, or fettuccine are also excellent choices. Avoid tiny pastas like orzo as they absorb too much sauce.

→ How to thin out a thick sauce?

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth toward the end of cooking to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

→ What can I add for extra flavor or veggies?

Try stirring in fresh spinach during the last five minutes of cooking. Bacon, ham, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley also add a tasty kick.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in the refrigerator up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Portions can be frozen for 2 to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

→ Can taco seasoning be used for a twist?

Yes, substituting garlic powder and oregano with taco seasoning offers a tasty variation with a different spice profile.