Tiffany Haney
Chicken spaghetti is a tasty and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a simple recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or crock pot with minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients. The creamy, cheesy sauce is the star of the show, and it's made even better by the juicy bites of chicken and tender spaghetti noodles. This dish is sure to be a family favourite and a great option when serving a large group.
Characteristics and Values table for cooking chicken spaghetti in a crock pot:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pot | Crockpot/slow cooker |
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| Chicken weight | 1 pound |
| Chicken broth | Low-sodium |
| Chicken spices | Salt, pepper, onion powder, parsley, paprika, Italian seasoning |
| Chicken cooking time | 4-6 hours on low heat |
| Chicken temperature | 165°F |
| Chicken preparation | Shredded or cubed |
| Pasta | Regular, whole wheat, gluten-free, lentil, chickpea, whole grain, or other types |
| Pasta preparation | Broken in half, cooked separately, and added to crockpot |
| Pasta cooking time | 30 minutes |
| Sauce | Marinara, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or other types |
| Vegetables | Carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers |
| Other ingredients | Chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley, dill, basil, red pepper flakes |
| Cooking spray | Nonstick cooking spray |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, roasted vegetables, bread, potatoes |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days or freeze for 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and sauce preparation
Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pot. You can use any slow cooker for this recipe, as crock-pot is just a brand name of slow cooker.
Add the chicken to the crock pot. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. The chicken should be boneless and skinless, and cut into cubes. If you're using chicken breasts, it's best to cook the chicken on low heat to prevent it from drying out.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also add minced garlic and diced onions for extra flavour. If you want to add some spice, include red pepper flakes.
Now, it's time to add the liquids that will create a delicious sauce. Pour in some marinara sauce, cream of chicken soup, or cream of mushroom soup. You can also add low-sodium chicken broth to make the sauce "saucy" and help cook the pasta. If you want to spice things up, add some Rotel (a can of diced tomatoes with green chillies). Don't drain the Rotel, as the juices from the tomatoes will contribute to the sauce.
Give all the ingredients a good stir to combine them well. Then, cover the crock pot and let it cook. The cooking time will depend on the heat setting you choose. For a low heat setting, cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internally). If you're in a hurry, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it or cut it into cubes. Then, add the chicken back into the crock pot.
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Cooking the spaghetti
You can also cook the spaghetti separately and add it to the crockpot with the chicken. This is because cooking pasta in the crock pot can make the dish starchy. If you choose to cook the spaghetti separately, be sure to reduce the broth by 2 cups when cooking the chicken in the crockpot.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or parsley over the top and serve.
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Combining the chicken and spaghetti
To combine the chicken and spaghetti, start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. You can break the noodles in half to ensure they are covered by the sauce. Once cooked, add the noodles to the crockpot.
Next, you will need to prepare the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, parsley, paprika, and garlic. You can also add cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it or cut it into cubes and add it back to the crockpot. You can also add sour cream and shredded cheese, such as Colby Jack, mozzarella, or cream cheese. Stir everything together well, ensuring that the noodles are covered in sauce.
Finally, cover the crockpot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low, until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through. You can garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Side Dishes
A simple salad is a classic pairing with spaghetti. You can opt for a healthy Caesar salad, a wilted spinach salad, or a simple butter lettuce salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great side dish, such as roasted butternut squash, oven-roasted asparagus, or Parmesan-roasted Brussels sprouts.
Bread
Garlic bread is a popular choice to accompany this meal, but you can also opt for fresh dinner rolls or your family's favourite bread recipe.
Potatoes
For a heartier meal, consider serving mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower mashed potatoes on the side.
Vegetables
Some suggested vegetables to serve with crockpot chicken spaghetti include roasted broccoli, green beans, or frozen mixed veggies.
Cheese
While the recipe already includes cheese, you can offer additional shredded cheese on the side, such as Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan, for those who prefer a cheesier dish.
Spices
For those who enjoy a spicier dish, providing red pepper flakes on the side allows individuals to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Customization
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a flexible recipe, and you can encourage your guests to customize their bowls. For example, you can provide different types of cooked pasta, such as penne or macaroni, and allow guests to choose their preferred variety.
Remember, crockpot chicken spaghetti is best served right away as it tends to thicken as it sits. Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions and creating a delicious meal for your family and friends!
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Storing leftovers
Freezing leftovers is also an option. However, it is advised to keep the noodles separate from the sauce to ensure they don't become soggy. When ready to eat, simply boil fresh noodles and combine them with the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months if properly stored.
If you're looking to avoid leftovers altogether, you can always cut the recipe in half. This way, you can enjoy fresh chicken spaghetti without having to worry about storing or freezing any excess.
Additionally, if you're preparing the dish in advance, you can make the sauce and store it in the fridge or freezer. Then, simply boil the noodles when you're ready to serve, and your meal will be ready in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken breasts, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or Colby jack), and spaghetti noodles.
First, spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Then, add the chicken breasts, seasonings, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it or cut it into cubes and add it back to the crockpot. Next, stir in the cheese and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the crockpot and stir well.
It typically takes around 4-6 hours to cook chicken spaghetti in a crock pot on low heat. However, it can be cooked on high heat for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
Some side dishes that go well with chicken spaghetti include a simple salad, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and mashed potatoes.
