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This Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, southwestern family favorite! Cook the sauce for a few hours, shred the chicken and then toss with pasta. Based on the Original Classic Chicken Spaghetti, this is a simpler version because it is made in a slow cooker. Woot!
A Slow Cooker Version of Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
I love a good slow cooker recipe. Beef Stew? Yes. Italian Chicken Pasta? Absolutely. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti? BINGO! On busy days, I love using a crockpot to cook all sorts of meals. It’s a huge timesaver and gives you that slow cooked flavor everyone loves. Set it and forget it.
This Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is no different. Add raw chicken breasts, onions and peppers to a cold crockpot. Stir in green chiles, cream of chicken soup and a healthy amount of cheese and let it cook. After several hours, you have pull-apart-tender chicken in a super tasty sauce. Toss it all together with some spaghetti, add more cheese and you have a seriously good meal.
Easy Substitutions
While I love this recipe as written, I understand we don’t always have everything on hand all the time. Here are some simple substitutions you can make.
- Yellow Onion – any onion can work here! White onion, red onion or even shallots.
- Bell Peppers – I used red and green but feel free to use whatever color you’d like. All green, all red, yellow or orange, whatever. They all give the same kind of flavor.
- Green Chiles – I just used mild green chiles with all of its juices. Yum! Feel free to omit OR if you want things a little spicier, you can use fresh or pickled jalapenos.
- Chicken Breasts – I like to use chicken breasts but you could also use chicken thighs here. They are a little higher in fat but are also less likey to dry out if cooked for too long.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – lots of delicious flavor and fats in this that are essential to keeping your chicken moist. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup here. The spices plus the flavors from the other ingredients are mostly what flavor this dish, so try not to worry too much about the kind of soup.
- Spaghetti – Since this is cheesy chicken SPAGHETTI, I’d recommend using spaghetti pasta, but any kind of pasta would work in its place. Fettuccine, angel hair, even macaroni or rigatoni.
- Cheddar Cheese – Monterey jack, pepper jack, white cheddar or a Mexican blend all work well. Use what you have. Mozzarella is a great cheese that gets really stringy, but doesn’t have that much flavor. You can definitely do half mozzarella and half cheddar to get the best of both worlds.
How to Make Chicken Spaghetti in a Crockpot
For full details on how to make Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti, see the recipe card down below 🙂
Add Chicken and Sauce Ingredients to Crockpot
Place the chopped onion and bell peppers into the cold crockpot first, then add the chicken breasts. Top chicken with cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, green chiles, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of grated cheese.
Cook then Shred Chicken
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, low for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken breasts, shred and return to crockpot. The cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken breasts are. For a quicker cook time, consider slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they are thinner.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Chicken from drying out in the Crockpot?
The answer to this question has two parts: (1) not overcooking and (2) having enough liquid or sauce. Missing one or both of these tips will give you dry chicken. Because chicken breasts are low in fat, they are prone to drying out. Whether you cook on the high function for a shorter amount of time or on the low function for longer, make sure you aren’t overcooking and have enough moisture in the crockpot.
BUT, lucky for you, it’s super hard to get dry chicken with this recipe! The cream of chicken soup plus all that cheese and the moisture from the veggies helps keep the chicken moist. If you’re worried about it, though, feel free to add in chicken stock when you’re tossing everything together with the spaghetti right before serving.
Cook Spaghetti
About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, start boiling some water on the stove to cook your spaghetti. Cook spaghetti according to package directions (I like mine al dente) then drain.
Can I Cook the Dry Pasta in the Crockpot?
I would highly discourage this method. I’ve found that cooking pasta in a slow cooker yields a starchy finished product. Whenever you cook pasta, starch is released from that pasta. Whether you’re cooking it in water or in a sauce, starch will come out of it. For this recipe, I suggest cooking it in water instead of directly in the sauce (so you can pour off that starchy water) and then tossing it together with the sauce.
Toss Spaghetti with Sauce
Pour in cooked spaghetti and remaining cheese. Toss to coat the pasta in sauce and melt cheese, adding in a few splashes of chicken stock where necessary to get the sauce to the consistency you want. Cook another 20-30 minutes on low and serve.
Storing + Reheating Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge! To reheat, simply zap in the microwave until heated through.
Can You Freeze This Recipe?
YES, you can freeze this recipe uncooked and after being cooked. Here are the directions: Place onion, bell peppers, green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chicken, chicken soup, and 1 cup of grated cheese together in a large plastic freezer bag. Seal and freeze for up to three months. To cook, defrost in the fridge overnight, place in crockpot, and cook according to the directions listed in the recipe card.
Alternatively, freeze cooked chicken spaghetti in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve thaw in the fridge then reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole thing in the oven until heated through.
What Goes with Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti?
Since this Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe is more on the decadent side, I like to keep the side dishes more fresh. Here are some ideas:
More Pasta Recipes to Try!
Be sure to check out all of my other pasta recipes for more dinner ideas. Here are a couple reader favorites:
- Cheesy Taco Pasta
- The BEST Lasagna Recipe
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Southwest Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Taco Noodle Casserole
- Pimento Mac and Cheese
More Favorites from Lauren’s Latest
The printable recipe card is down below. Hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper diced
- 4 oz mild diced green chiles 1 small can
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lb chicken breasts 2 breasts
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup; 1 can
- 3/4-1 lb spaghetti cooked
- 3 cups cheddar cheese grated
- a few splashes chicken stock optional
Instructions
- Place onion, bell peppers, green chiles, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chicken, condensed soup and 1 cup of grated cheese together in a crock-pot. Stir to mix ingredients.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken breasts, shred and return to crock-pot.
- Pour in cooked spaghetti and remaining cheese. Toss to coat pasta in sauce and melt cheese, adding in a few splashes of chicken stock where necessary to get sauce consistency you want. Cook another 20-30 minutes on low and serve.
Question? What difference would it make if you didn’t use the cumin? I really dislike cumin
Is it crazy I totally get the beginning background story. One of those I got that same T shirt deals. The dish looks great, I plan to make it for the family soon. Thank you for sharing.
“Ahh, single parenthood. There are no words to describe you today.” Two sentences later you said you contemplated sending your husband pictures. You have no idea what *actual* single parents go through.
cheesy chicken crock
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I made this today with a few minor adjustments mostly out of necessity. Didn’t have chicken breast or green chilies so used boneless skinless thighs & mild Rotel drained & rinsed as suggested. Used minced garlic instead of powder just a personal preference. Added about a tsp of Oregano. Omitted the salt and cooked spaghettie in low sodium chicken broth. Used 2cups of sharp cheddar total as that’s all I had. It was REALLY yummy and easy to make. My crew of 9 ate it all. Will double the recipe next time! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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First time ever to post on a blog but I just had to give one here. I loved your post. As a grandmother of three and having almost raised one by babysitting him from 4 days old, your blog reminded me of days I had with my 2 kids and the one grandson, now 7. I miss those hectic days. They go so fast. I found your post very funny. The days will get better so keep your head up, God will carry you thru.
I will definitely try your crock-pot cheesy chicken spaghetti. Since my daughter doesn’t like to use cream soups due to fat & sodium content, I found a recipe for a substitute. It is easy & convenient to keep on hand.
Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup Substitute Mix
2 cups non-fat dry milk powder
1 cup cornstarch
¼ cup instant low salt chicken granules
2 Tbsp. dry onion flakes
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. thyme
½ tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container.
To use: mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 cup cold water. Cook in microwave until thickened. This equals 1 can of cream soup to use in casseroles.
Is there an alternative to cream of mushroom? I’m allergic, but would love to try this.
[…] Via Lauren’s Latest […]
Hi Lauren! Are there any good substitutes for the peppers? My husband has a sensitive stomach so were trying to find recipes to cut out tomatoes and peppers, which seem to be the 2 things that trigger it.
I’ve been looking all over Pinterest for this recipe and you have it! It looks great! I am a mom of 8, a PK and a retired CB’s wife. Kudos to you for not losing your head in the middle of the service. I agree with one of your followers… excuse yourself and explain to your beloved that Daddy would not appreciate how they are behaving….. I trained all mine to respond to the clearing of my throat, and the snap of my fingers. My oldest is 28 and youngest is 8. I hadn’t realized that the youngest was trained until recently in a small church when I cleared my throat for no reason and he turned his head. At that moment… I thought BINGO! My world of child raising was going to be fine! Keep going! You’re doing a great job and you’ve gotten a new follower. Nice to meet you BTW>
I am not able to print this out.
All you need is green peppers dices and diced onion and cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom and a can of Rotel spaghetti,chicken and cheese
sounds great gonna try it tonight on grandkids
Hi Lauren! Is there a way to cook this on low for longer, rather than on high as recommended? I’m hoping to get it going before I leave for work in the morning. Thanks!!
Cooking on low would work just fine!
I’m making this tonight. A few recipe changes only because I didn’t have the exact ingredients. I’m so excited. Yum!
i want to eat it,right now!!!
Calorie count in this recipe is high, but not quite as high as I thought it would be. The whole recipe is a total of approximately 2,910 calories. Break that down to 4 servings and its about 730 calories per serving. I think this recipe could easily feed about 6 people. though, which takes the calorie count down to about 490 a serving. I did not include the amount of broth added to the recipe, since everyone may add a different amount from person to person, so my numbers are not 100% exact. Just thought this might be helpful for those who are asking. I nice side of some greens definitely helps balance this dish out into a great meal. This dish is DELICIOUS, by the way.
awesome…thank you
MY FAMILY LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! It was perfect just the way it is. They keep asking for it for dinner on Fri. Thanks!
I wasn’t paying attention and dumped all 3 cups of cheese in at once instead of saving 2 cups for later! Did I ruin it?
What else can be used for seasoning this? I am unable to have anything spicy and cannot have onion, peppers, anything like that. I have to have bland, blah (yes, very boring) food. Thank you health problems. Can that stuff be left out, or what would you recommend in place of all that?
My stomach doesn’t handle *spicy* foods well. You mentioned that this recipe is similar to others, but more spicy. Do you have a crockpot recipe for chicken spaghetti that doesn’t include the peppers and green chiles, etc.? I’m not good at altering recipes and ending up with anything that’s still tasty (or sometimes even edible). Thanks.
yummy
3 cups of cheese. Great way to make you and your kids fat!
Whoops! http://extension.usu.edu/sanpete/files/uploads/Soup_or_Sauce_SOS_Mix.pdf
This is the Utah State University’s Extension Service’s recipe for subbing for any creamed soup. I’ve used it for probably 20 years. It’s gluten free and great to have on hand. Canned soups have way too much sodium and preservatives. I don’t like to feed them to my family at all. This is so easy, who needs them!
Yum!!!!!!!!!!
Could you use rotisserie chicken?
Thanks,
Grace
yes!
Is there nutritional info on this one?
The recipe is great! Everyone loved it including my picky eater son!! Taste great!!!
Sounds delicious but incredibly fattening. Caloric intake please?
Your food always so yummy!
I just found this recipe (saw it on facebook today, #winning) and this is exactly what I was looking for to make tonight! I am so happy! But I really just wanted to tell you Lauren how much I love you. Like seriously. I have three little boys and church for us is like Chinese Torture. Also, for everyone around us. Getting everyone ready (not on time) and making through those three hours is really the biggest accomplishment of my week most of the time. Just wanted you to know you’re not alone 🙂 Also, I’m very much okay that it doesn’t connect to Cheesy chicken spaghetti. I love the randomness. It makes me feel a little less ADHD in my own thinking! Anyway, keep it coming.
You can cut the cook time down, if you boil your chicken breast first and then add all the other ingredients into a crockpot, (I also make this but add a can of cheddar cheese soup as well as mushroom soup, and I put I can of milk and 3/4c chicken broth.) just have to put your crockpot on low and it can warm the other ingredients as time goes by. Personally I wouldn’t want to cook raw chicken in with my other ingredients. But that’s just me. !
Currently have the ingredients cooking in the crock pot! It smells heavenly, very excited to try it. Made a few substitutes, used fresh garlic instead of the powder and jalapeño instead of green chilies! My onion and pepper are also red, but got to make use of what I already had! I bet this will be a hit.
Sounds delicious
Looks great, can’t wait to try it.
This is very similar to an oven recipe i have been foing fot years, never thought to do it in the crock pot.
My only suggestion to make it even easier…use an electric hand mixer right in the crock pot to shred the chicken. I have shredded chicken in the crock pot that way for years.
Delicious and beautiful colors. I added one can of cream of chicken…it was great! Thanks
Thanks for the recipe. I’ve made it a few times and now I like to add a can of rotel instead of the green chiles. It’s so yummy! I also start in the freezer. Super simple for after church. 🙂
Can your receipes be pinned? Don’t see a pin button.
Thanks
If you hover over any image, a pin it button will appear.
I made this a few weeks ago and loved it. I was going to make it again and for some reason the recipe is not showing up. Is there another place I could find this recipe?
I have tried so hard to just get the recipe for Cheesy pasta crock pot chicken, but I get to the end of your cute story about going to church, then see that I can get the recipe below, but as I scroll down, I just see a whole bunch of other recipes. 2 of my friends tried, same problem! Wanted to make it tomorrow!
Do you kind of shred the chicken at the end?
I love using the crockpot liners that u throw away after dinner. Little to no crockpot clean up. Why not put your ingredients in it put a twist tie around it leaving room for expansion, then the freezer bag? Thaw as usual, place liner in crock pot, cook as usual and then use freezer bag over. Clean crock pot and reuse freezer bag. Just a suggestion. FYI freezer bags are good for disposing dirty diapers, catching throw up, carrying snacks, medications, wipes etc. I am a mom and grandmother also ran a daycare. U do what u gotta do to survive. Sounds like u r doing a great job. First time I read ur post. Enjoyed it.
Hi Lauren! One of my friends shared your recipe on Facebook. It looks so good, I can’t wait to try it! I want to make it this weekend for a group of 7. Do you think this would be enough or should I double the recipe? Will it still come out right if I double it? Thanks!
I would double it just to be sure. As long as your crockpot is big enough, you should be good to go 🙂
Sounds good. I have a crockpot lasagna recipe my family enjoys, so this will probably be a winner, too.
Regarding the church scene: I can relate. My son tried my patience. Might I suggest that your daughter doesn’t believe you? Tell her one time what you expect of her. The second time (third at the most) act on it. When you sit there begging and groveling, she knows you’re just all talk.