Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and effortlessly delicious dinner, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is absolutely a game-changer. I love how it combines tender chicken, creamy sauces, and spaghetti all in one pot, making your evening routine so much simpler without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying waiting for you at home.
What makes this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe stand out for me is its perfect balance of cozy creaminess and bright herbs, plus that slow cooker magic that melds everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving some comfort food, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with minimum fuss—trust me, it’s become a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that creamy, flavorful sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Shopping tip: opt for good quality canned soups and fresh herbs if you can—they really make a difference in the final dish!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: I find that this cut stays tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth—diced small so it melts nicely.
- Bell pepper: any color works; it adds a mild crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: minced for that essential aromatic kick.
- Diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic, and oregano): partially drained to avoid too much liquid but still packs flavor.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: builds that creamy, rich texture.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: complements the mushroom soup perfectly for layers of creaminess.
- Dried oregano: gives the dish an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Dried basil: adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that brightens the sauce.
- Kosher salt: essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: freshly ground if possible, to add a subtle heat.
- Dried spaghetti: breaks nicely in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: adds a melty, tangy finish.
- Heavy whipping cream: stirs in at the end for extra silkiness.
- Fresh parsley: chopped for a bright, fresh garnish.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is that you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. I’ve played around with a few versions and found some tweaks that really hit the spot depending on what you like.
- Using rotisserie chicken: When I’m in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time—plus it adds a nice smoky flavor.
- Adding extra veggies: Toss in mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost; I like how spinach wilts into the sauce at the end.
- Switching up the cheese: Sometimes I swap cheddar for mozzarella for a gooey, milder melt—try what you love!
- Dairy-free version: You can use coconut cream and dairy-free soup alternatives—I’ve done it and it still ends up creamy and comforting.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your creamy chicken spaghetti.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Base Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and partially drained diced tomatoes right on top. I like to pat my chicken dry first to help the flavors stick better and to avoid excess moisture. This layering ensures the chicken gets infused with all those bright, fresh flavors while cooking gently.
Step 2: Add Soups and Seasonings
Next, pour in both the condensed cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups over your layered ingredients. Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly for that herby punch. Give it a gentle stir just to combine everything without disturbing the chicken too much. This is the flavor foundation—don’t skip seasoning here, it really makes a difference!
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 5-6 hours or high for about 3 hours. I usually opt for low when I have time—it makes the chicken super tender and the flavors more developed. Avoid opening the lid while it’s cooking so the heat stays consistent and your dish cooks evenly.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, break the dried spaghetti into halves and scatter it over the slow cooker contents. Stir gently so the pasta can nestle into the creamy sauce. Then sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese on top and cover again. The pasta finishes cooking in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors, and the cheese melts in beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Cream for Extra Richness
Once the spaghetti is tender (give it a taste!), stir in the heavy whipping cream to add that extra silky texture. This final touch turns the dish from just good to absolutely dreamy. If the sauce seems a bit thick, a splash of chicken broth or water can loosen it up here.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it adds such a bright note and lovely color. Sometimes, I add a little grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes on the side is great if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
For sides, I like something light and fresh like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette pairs perfectly to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted veggies also work well if you want to add more substance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve served this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden—everyone loves it! Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish, topping with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baking it for a crispy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen in the fridge, which is always a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cool it before sealing tightly to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish once or twice—just portion it out and use freezer-safe containers. It defrosts well overnight in the fridge. I’d recommend leaving out the cream when making ahead and adding it fresh after thawing, to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. This helps the sauce stay creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works best because it breaks down nicely in the slow cooker, you can also use penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly based on pasta shape.
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Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?
Nope! One of the beauties of this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is that the chicken cooks right in the slow cooker, becoming super tender while soaking up all the sauce flavors.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups for dairy-free versions, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and try dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor might shift a bit, but it’s still delicious!
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Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and sauce in a large pot, then cooking the spaghetti added later until tender, but the slow cooker really lets the flavors develop more deeply with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become my go-to when I want dinner done without hovering over the stove. It’s cozy, creamy, and absolutely satisfying, plus it frees up your time for other things. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially on those chilly evenings when you just want a big bowl of comfort. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups combine with spaghetti noodles for a rich and flavorful dish. Finished with shredded white cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and fresh parsley, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, patted dry
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned & Dry Goods
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes (partially drained), preferably with basil, garlic, and oregano
- 10 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 10 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz dried spaghetti
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dairy & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure even cooking. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves to have all ingredients ready.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, partially drained diced tomatoes, condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings but keep the chicken mostly intact.
- Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The slow cooking melds the flavors and softens the vegetables.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine well with the sauce.
- Add and cook spaghetti: Break the dried spaghetti in half and add it to the slow cooker. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water to help cook the pasta. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for an additional 30-40 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheese and cream: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon the creamy chicken spaghetti onto plates or bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Partially draining the diced tomatoes prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit and cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- If the spaghetti is too firm at the end, add a little more water and cook for 5-10 more minutes.
- Use a mild cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the soups and cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken spaghetti, slow cooker dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta
