Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti: A Cozy Delight for Every Dinner Table
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s slowly simmered to perfection in a cozy slow cooker. I still remember the days when my mother would whip up spaghetti for dinner in our kitchen, the aroma of garlic and savory spices wafting through our home, wrapping us in a warm embrace. That nostalgia inspires this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti recipe, which brings together tender shredded chicken and a luscious, cheesy sauce, all nestled atop spaghetti. This easy weeknight dinner is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when we crave something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to easy weeknight dinners, this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation:
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups creates a rich sauce that envelops the spaghetti beautifully.
- Minimal Effort: With everything tossed into the slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that frees up your evening.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the cheesy, comforting flavors—perfect for picky eaters!
- Quick Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner, making this recipe great for busy evenings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite veggies or spices to customize it for your family’s tastes.
What You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful dish. Let’s check our shopping list:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers or green chilies (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Let’s Make It Together
Ready to dive into the comforting chaos of cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your creamy chicken spaghetti masterpiece:
Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked spaghetti, pressing it gently into the sauce. Don’t worry if it’s a bit broken; it will soften beautifully as it cooks. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is partly coated with the sauce.
Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours. Be sure to stir halfway through cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and the remaining cheddar cheese. Close the lid and allow it to melt away into gooey perfection.
Serve: Once cooked, serve warm, and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra pop of color and freshness!
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is fantastic just as it is, but here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Zesty Southwest Twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or some taco seasoning for a zesty, flavorful kick.
- Veggie-Packed Delight: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies for a health boost.
- Italian-Style: Swap in some herbs like basil and oregano for an Italian flair, and use Italian cheese blends for a cheesy finish.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add additional garlic cloves or sautéed onions for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti turns out absolutely fabulous, consider these helpful hints:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Mix everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have chicken soup, feel free to use any creamy soup you love. Cream of onion or celery can work well, too!
- Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop for the best results.
- Freezing Tips: You can freeze the cooked spaghetti for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer bags.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s a quick breakdown to give you an idea of what’s inside this comforting dish:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 27g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 850mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this delectable dish:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare and store it in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the soups, cheese, or add veggies to suit your taste.
- How do I store leftovers? Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? This dish is best eaten within 3 days but can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Wrapping It Up
As the aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti fills your home, you’ll find it hard to resist that cozy feeling. This recipe encapsulates the warmth and joy of shared meals, making every dinner a special occasion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave something comforting, this dish is bound to win over hearts and stomachs alike. Save this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti to your “cozy dinners” board so it’s ready when you need a treat that feels just like home. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting bowl of creamy pasta with tender shredded chicken, slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers or green chilies (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add the uncooked spaghetti, pressing it gently into the sauce. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is partly coated with the sauce.
- Set your slow cooker to high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–7 hours, stirring halfway through cooking.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley as desired.
Notes
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a day in advance and store in the fridge. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food