Chicken Spaghetti in Slow Cooker

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

Let your slow cooker do the work with this creamy chicken spaghetti. Tender chicken and pasta come together in a rich cheese sauce for a comforting meal that practically makes itself.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:35:13 GMT
A fork lifts creamy pasta mixed with chopped tomatoes and garnished with parsley from a bowl. Pin it
A fork lifts creamy pasta mixed with chopped tomatoes and garnished with parsley from a bowl. | recipesim.com

I stumbled upon this creamy slow cooker chicken spaghetti recipe during my busy mom days, and it's been a lifesaver ever since. The magic happens while you're away your chicken turns wonderfully tender, swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce that'll make your mouth water. With pantry staples like cream of chicken soup and Rotel tomatoes, plus my special cheese blend, this recipe practically makes itself. Trust me, it's the kind of comfort food that'll have your family running to the dinner table.

Let's Get Started

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Get your shopping list ready: boneless chicken breasts, my favorite cream of chicken soup, spicy Rotel tomatoes, lots of Colby Jack cheese (trust me, pre-shredded won't melt as nicely), cream cheese, spaghetti, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic.

QUICK STEPS: I layer everything in my trusty slow cooker seasoned chicken first, then my special soup mixture with Rotel. Let it work its magic for about six hours on low or four on high. Once the chicken shreds easily, in goes the cheese, and finally, we mix in perfectly cooked spaghetti.

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: Takes about 35 minutes of hands-on time, feeds 4 hungry people

Why You'll Love This Recipe

After years of making slow cooker pasta dishes, I've learned the secret is all in the layering. My method keeps the chicken incredibly moist while letting those flavors meld together beautifully in the sauce.

Here's my favorite trick give those spaghetti noodles a quick cold water rinse after cooking. It stops them from turning mushy when they meet our creamy sauce. My family loves how every bite stays perfectly al dente.

Your Shopping List

Let me share exactly what you'll need from the store:

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts: These become fork-tender in the slow cooker
  • minced garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch
  • kosher salt
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • onion powder
  • Italian seasoning: I make my own blend, but store-bought is perfect too
  • cream of chicken soup: My secret weapon for creamy sauce
  • Rotel: This adds just the right kick
  • colby jack cheese: Always grate your own for the smoothest sauce
  • cream cheese: Makes everything extra luxurious
  • spaghetti: The classic choice for this dish
  • fresh parsley for garnish (if you're feeling fancy)
A fork lifts creamy pasta with tomatoes and herbs from a bowl against a dark background. Pin it
A fork lifts creamy pasta with tomatoes and herbs from a bowl against a dark background. | recipesim.com

Smart Swaps and Add-Ins

After making this countless times, here are some substitutions that work beautifully:

  • Cream of Chicken Soup: My mother-in-law uses cream of mushroom instead, and it's delicious. Cream of celery works too.
  • Rotel Tomatoes: If your kids don't like spice, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly. Want more heat? Try the hot Rotel version.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives an amazing tang, or go for Monterey Jack if you love that creamy melt.

Let's Start Cooking

STEP ONE: First thing I do is give my slow cooker a quick spray with cooking spray. Trust me, this saves so much cleanup time later. If you have a slow cooker liner, even better.

STEP TWO: Lay those chicken breasts flat in your slow cooker. I always make sure they're in a single layer so they cook evenly. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes all the difference.

Season With Love

STEP THREE: Now comes the fun part. Sprinkle your chicken with garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. I love using freshly cracked pepper here it adds such wonderful flavor.

STEP FIVE: Pour your sauce mixture over everything. Watch how it settles around the chicken this sauce is going to work its magic over the next few hours.

Time to Let It Cook

STEP SIX: Pop that lid on and let your slow cooker do its thing. Six hours on low is perfect, but if you're in a hurry, four hours on high works too.

KITCHEN SECRET: I know it's tempting, but resist lifting that lid while it cooks. Every peek adds extra cooking time, and we want that chicken perfectly tender.

A fork holding creamy spaghetti with herbs and small pieces of meat, lifted from a bowl of pasta. Pin it
A fork holding creamy spaghetti with herbs and small pieces of meat, lifted from a bowl of pasta. | recipesim.com

The Shredding Step

STEP SEVEN: When your chicken is done, grab two forks and start shredding. I love this part the chicken should practically fall apart on its own. That's how you know it's perfect.

MY QUICK TIP: Give the thickest piece a quick check no pink means you're good to go.

Time for the Cheese Magic

STEP EIGHT: Now for my favorite part! Toss in your freshly shredded Colby Jack and cubes of cream cheese. Give it another 30 minutes on high, then stir until everything's melty and smooth. This is what makes our sauce absolutely dreamy.

Perfecting Your Pasta

STEP NINE: While your cheese is melting, cook your spaghetti. I always salt my pasta water generously it's your only chance to season the pasta itself. Once it's al dente, give it a quick rinse with cold water. This is my foolproof trick for perfect pasta texture.

Bringing It All Together

STEP TEN: Time to make magic! Put your shredded chicken back in, add your perfectly cooked spaghetti, and give everything a good stir. Watch how the sauce coats every strand of pasta. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

A fork lifts a portion of creamy chicken pasta from a plate, with a slow cooker and greenery visible in the background. Pin it
A fork lifts a portion of creamy chicken pasta from a plate, with a slow cooker and greenery visible in the background. | recipesim.com

Troubleshooting Like a Pro

After years of making this dish, here's how I fix common issues:

  • Got mushy pasta? Remember my cold water rinse trick, and only add the spaghetti right before serving.
  • Sauce too thick? A splash of warm chicken broth works wonders. Too thin? Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes.
  • Cream cheese not melting smoothly? Make sure it's room temperature and cut in small cubes before adding.

Making It a Meal

In my house, we love serving this with some simple sides:

  • My quick garlic bread recipe is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
  • A crisp green salad with my homemade Italian dressing adds freshness.
  • When I have time, I toss some veggies in olive oil and roast them until caramelized perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Keeping It Fresh

Let me share my best tips for making this dish work with your schedule:

  • MAKE AHEAD: Want to prep early? Make the chicken and sauce up to two days ahead. Keep it in the fridge, then just cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.
  • The sauce actually gets even better after a day in the fridge the flavors have more time to blend together.

Storage Solutions

IN THE FRIDGE: Pack your leftovers in an airtight container. They'll stay delicious for three days.

IN THE FREEZER: This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer bags and label them with the date. It'll keep for three months.

Want the best texture after freezing? I freeze the sauce and chicken separate from the pasta. This little trick makes reheating so much better.

A serving of spaghetti with a creamy sauce, chicken, and diced tomatoes is being lifted with tongs from a slow cooker. Pin it
A serving of spaghetti with a creamy sauce, chicken, and diced tomatoes is being lifted with tongs from a slow cooker. | recipesim.com

Bringing Leftovers Back to Life

REHEATING:

  • ON THE STOVE: This is my preferred method. A few minutes over medium heat, stirring now and then. Add a splash of milk if needed.
  • IN THE MICROWAVE: Perfect for quick lunches. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each one. This keeps everything heating evenly.

Your Questions Answered

Can I cook the pasta right in the slow cooker?

I don't recommend it. After countless attempts, I've found cooking pasta separately is the only way to get that perfect texture. Trust me on this one.

What about different pasta shapes?

While linguine or fettuccine work great, there's something about classic spaghetti that just feels right in this dish.

Making It Your Own

Want to add veggies?

I love tossing in some bell peppers or mushrooms during the last hour. Sometimes I stir in fresh spinach right at the end it wilts perfectly in the hot sauce.

Need an easy way to shred chicken?

Here's my favorite trick use your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just a few seconds on low speed, and you're done!

Final Words from My Kitchen

This slow cooker chicken spaghetti has saved my sanity on countless busy days. It's pure comfort food that practically cooks itself. Give it a try in your kitchen I bet it'll become a family favorite just like it has in mine.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti garnished with parsley and mixed with tomatoes. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti garnished with parsley and mixed with tomatoes. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

While fresh chicken is best, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Add an extra hour to the cooking time and make sure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

→ Why rinse the pasta with cold water?

Rinsing stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from getting mushy when mixed with the hot sauce. This step ensures perfect pasta texture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, but cook and add pasta just before serving. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft.

→ What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well. Use any melting cheese you prefer for similar results.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the sauce.

Conclusion

A delightful slow cooker chicken spaghetti that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta into a creamy, comforting dish. Ideal for busy weeknights and family gatherings, this recipe offers convenience and delicious flavor in one pot.

Chicken Spaghetti in Slow Cooker

A creamy, comforting pasta dish combining tender chicken, melted cheese, and spaghetti in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy family dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
270 Minutes
Total Time
280 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 generous portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts.
02 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
03 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt.
04 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper.
05 1 teaspoon onion powder.
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
07 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup.
08 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles.
09 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese.
10 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed.
11 16 ounces spaghetti.
12 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Spray inside of 6-7 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner.

Step 02

Put chicken in cooker. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder and Italian seasoning.

Step 03

Mix soups with tomatoes and chiles. Pour over chicken. Cook on high 4 hours or low 6 hours.

Step 04

Take out chicken and shred it. Add cheeses to cooker, cover and cook 30 more minutes.

Step 05

Cook spaghetti following package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Step 06

Stir melted cheese sauce. Add shredded chicken and pasta, mix well to coat everything.

Notes

  1. Don't overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness.
  2. Can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  3. Angel hair or thin spaghetti work well too.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-7 quart slow cooker.
  • Large pot for pasta.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 751
  • Total Fat: 31 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 69 g
  • Protein: 48 g