Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
If you’re looking for a comfort meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a total winner. I love how the chicken becomes so tender as it slow cooks alongside those creamy soups and spices, soaking up all the cozy flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pot slow cooker recipe which means you can set it and come back to a delicious, hearty dinner with barely any hands-on time.
This recipe works great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and satisfying without a fuss. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners and even potlucks, and everyone ends up asking for the recipe. If you haven’t tried this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe before, trust me – it’s worth the wait!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a way that’s so balanced – the creamy soups add richness, the herbs bring in just the right zing, and the fresh veggies give it a little brightness. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before you start:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Pat dry to ensure even cooking and to help it absorb flavors better in the slow cooker.
- Yellow Onion: Diced onion offers a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Bell Pepper: Use any color you like—red adds sweetness, green gives a slight bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the savory notes—don’t skip it!
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): I prefer the kind seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich, earthy creaminess without extra effort.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Combines with the mushroom soup for a perfectly creamy base.
- Dried Oregano: Keeps the dish herbaceous and warm.
- Dried Basil: Adds a subtle sweetness that brightens the sauce.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a little kick.
- Dried Spaghetti: We’re tossing it in dry directly—no pre-cooking needed, which saves a step.
- Shredded White Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to add that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Just a splash makes everything luxuriously smooth.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish—it brightens the whole dish with freshness.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the veggies or cheese depending on what’s in the fridge, and you can totally customize seasonings to make it suit your taste perfectly.
- Variation: Adding cooked bacon bits gives it a smoky punch that’s irresistible—I’ve done this for weekend dinners and it’s a hit every time.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream of mushroom and chicken soups with dairy-free soups and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It changes the flavor but keeps it creamy and comforting.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini, and swap out the chicken soup for extra cream of mushroom or a vegetarian cream soup.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat—I find it adds a nice balance to the creaminess.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps the seasoning stick better and prevents the slow cooker from getting too watery. Dice your onion and bell pepper, and mince that garlic. I find prepping everything ahead makes the process smooth, especially since you’ll be working directly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Layer It Up in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, then add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic on top. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (make sure to drain some of the liquid so it doesn’t get too soupy). Next, evenly layer the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups—you want that creamy base to surround the chicken.
Step 3: Season and Add Uncooked Spaghetti
Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper over everything. Now here’s a tip: instead of breaking spaghetti into random pieces, I like to lay them across the top evenly, then press them gently into the sauce. The moisture will soften them perfectly as they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Slow Cook and Stir
Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. Around the halfway point, I usually lift the lid and gently stir everything to make sure the spaghetti starts softening evenly and the chicken is breaking apart. This step is optional but helps prevent any dry spots or clumping of noodles.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Cream
Once the chicken is tender and the spaghetti is cooked through, shred the chicken pieces if you haven’t already. Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream for that ultimate creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes with the lid off to let everything meld beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness—it cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes a little extra shredded cheese or even finely grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty, nutty finish that everyone appreciates.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is creamy and filling, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic roasted broccoli. A crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect to scoop up the sauce too. For a lighter touch, steamed veggies work great as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For when I host friends, I sometimes serve this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and freshly cracked pepper. It feels fancy but is still comforting and easy. I’ve even turned leftovers into baked pasta “cups” for an adorable appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. I find this dish keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes for even tastier lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe without issue by dividing it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to prevent overcooked noodles. This way, the texture stays creamy, and there’s no mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of extra cream or milk to loosen it up if it feels thick. Stirring occasionally helps keep the sauce smooth. I avoid high heat to prevent curdling or drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and tend to stay juicier, which some people prefer. Just expect slightly different texture and flavor, and cooking times stay fairly similar.
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Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before adding it to the slow cooker?
Nope! That’s one of the best parts of this recipe—you add the dried spaghetti directly into the slow cooker. The moisture from the soups and tomatoes softens the pasta perfectly as it cooks.
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How can I make this recipe less creamy or lighter?
You can lighten this dish by substituting the condensed soups for lighter versions or homemade replacements, and swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.
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Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to soften the veggies first, then add all ingredients except cheese and cream, seal, and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes. Finish by stirring in cheese and cream after quick release.
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What’s the best cheese to use?
White cheddar works really well because it melts smoothly and adds a sharp flavor. However, feel free to use mozzarella for milder creaminess or a blend like Monterey Jack if you want something different.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I hope you find it as simple, tasty, and comforting as I do—seriously, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite slow cooker dinner.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts simmer with aromatic vegetables, rich cream soups, and classic Italian herbs, all cooked together with spaghetti until perfectly creamy. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream, it delivers a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
Soup and Seasonings
- 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
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz dried spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced yellow onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken to build flavor as the dish cooks.
- Add Tomatoes and Soups: Pour the partially drained diced tomatoes over the meat and vegetables, followed by the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. These ingredients provide the creamy base for the dish.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over all the ingredients inside the slow cooker to ensure balanced flavor distribution during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken into the slow cooker to mix with the creamy sauce.
- Add Spaghetti to Cook: Break the dried spaghetti in half and add it directly into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the pasta with the sauce and chicken, ensuring the noodles are submerged as much as possible.
- Finish Cooking Pasta: Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and heavy whipping cream. Mix thoroughly to create a rich, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken spaghetti before serving to add a fresh, herbal touch and a pop of color.
Notes
- Partially draining the diced tomatoes prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
- Using condensed soups simplifies the recipe and creates a rich creamy base without extra effort.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and verify that soups are gluten-free.
- The dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For more spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, easy slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken casserole, chicken and spaghetti slow cooker
