Creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti. This recipe combines the convenience of a crockpot with the rich flavors of a creamy cheese sauce and tender shredded chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

To create this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 big can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic
• 1 block of cream cheese
• 1 16oz block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 can of mild Rotel (do not drain)
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 3 green onions, chopped

These ingredients combine to create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti noodles perfectly, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by shredding a rotisserie chicken. This step saves time and adds a rich, roasted flavor to your dish.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, add the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic, cream cheese, cubed Velveeta, mild Rotel (with the liquid), chicken broth, butter, and chopped green onions. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients evenly.

3. Cook on High

Set your crockpot to cook on high for 2 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the flavors meld together.

4. Cook the Spaghetti Noodles

While the sauce is cooking, prepare the spaghetti noodles on the stove according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

5. Combine Noodles and Sauce

After the sauce has cooked for 2 hours and is thoroughly heated and creamy, add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the crockpot. Stir to coat the noodles with the sauce completely.

6. Season to Taste

Finally, add your preferred seasonings to enhance the flavor. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dish.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Serve the creamy chicken spaghetti in a large serving dish or directly from the crockpot to keep it warm. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
2. Side Dishes: Pair the chicken spaghetti with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish and add some freshness to the meal.
3. Portion Control: Use tongs or a pasta fork to serve individual portions, ensuring that each serving has a good mix of spaghetti, chicken, and sauce.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the spaghetti to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken spaghetti. Transfer the cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop. If microwaving, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated. If reheating on the stovetop, place the spaghetti in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Variations :

Adding variety to your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti can make this dish even more exciting and versatile. Here are some creative variations to try:

1. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti

Give your dish a kick by adding some heat.

• Ingredients: Add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños, or use hot Rotel instead of mild. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
• Instructions: Follow the original recipe, adding the spicy ingredients along with the other components. Stir well to ensure the heat is evenly distributed.

2. Veggie-Packed Chicken Spaghetti

Boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables.

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 cup of spinach.
• Instructions: Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the crockpot with the other ingredients. This prevents the veggies from becoming too soft during the cooking process.

3. Broccoli Chicken Spaghetti

Incorporate broccoli for added texture and flavor.

• Ingredients: Add 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets.
• Instructions: Steam the broccoli for a few minutes before adding it to the crockpot. This ensures it stays crisp-tender and doesn’t get mushy.

4. Bacon Chicken Spaghetti

Enhance the flavor with crispy bacon.

• Ingredients: Cook and crumble 6-8 strips of bacon.
• Instructions: Add the bacon to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. For extra flavor, sprinkle some bacon on top before serving.

5. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

For cheese lovers, add more varieties of cheese.

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella.
• Instructions: Stir in the additional cheese towards the end of the cooking time, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

6. Mexican Chicken Spaghetti

Give your spaghetti a Mexican twist.

• Ingredients: Add a packet of taco seasoning and a can of black beans (drained and rinsed).
• Instructions: Add the taco seasoning and black beans along with the other ingredients in the crockpot. You can also top the dish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

7. Italian Chicken Spaghetti

Infuse Italian flavors into your dish.

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Instructions: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning with the other ingredients in the crockpot. Top with fresh basil before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

8. Creamy Pesto Chicken Spaghetti

Combine the rich flavors of pesto with the creamy sauce.

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of prepared pesto sauce.
• Instructions: Stir the pesto into the crockpot mixture with the other ingredients. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley.

9. Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Spaghetti

Add earthy flavors with mushrooms and spinach.

• Ingredients: Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach.
• Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the crockpot. Add the spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it from becoming too wilted.

10. Mediterranean Chicken Spaghetti

Incorporate Mediterranean flavors for a fresh twist.

• Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives (sliced), and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
• Instructions: Add these ingredients along with the other components in the crockpot. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

FAQs :

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken breasts or thighs. Cook them in the crockpot with the other ingredients, then shred the chicken before adding the cooked spaghetti.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in the crockpot and add the cooked spaghetti.

3. Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from burning in the crockpot?

Stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks to ensure even melting and to prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides or burning.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. It’s best to sauté or steam the vegetables before adding them to the crockpot to maintain their texture.

6. How can I make this recipe lighter?

To make a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat Velveeta, and low-sodium soups. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to increase the nutritional value.

In just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of the crockpot. Perfect for busy days or whenever you crave a comforting meal, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors and the ease of preparation with this delightful dish!