With tender shredded chicken and a rich homemade sauce, this Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is an easy, wholesome twist on a classic favorite. This dish is packed with veggies and made entirely without the canned soups - the perfect cozy weeknight meal!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is a healthier, more flavorful take on a comfort food classic. Unlike traditional versions that rely on canned soups, this recipe uses chicken broth, cream cheese and sour cream and delicious sauce without all the preservatives. It's loaded with colorful veggies and protein, making it a balanced, family-friendly meal you can feel good about serving. And the best part is that the slow cooker does most of the work!
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What is chicken spaghetti?
Chicken spaghetti is a classic Southern comfort food dish made with cooked chicken, spaghetti noodles, veggies and a cheesy sauce baked into a casserole. Traditionally, it includes canned cream soups (like cream of mushroom or chicken), but my homemade version swaps those out for an easy slow cooker sauce that's packed with flavor. It's cozy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
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Equipment
For this recipe you will need a slow cooker. I used this 8 quart programmable Crock-Pot and it turned out great!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: You could also use chicken thighs if preferred.
- Onion: You'll need one small onion or about ½ a large one. Any color works.
- Red bell pepper: You could also use yellow or orange.
- Green bell pepper
- Mushrooms: I like fresh mushrooms in this recipe but you can substitute with canned if preferred.
- Garlic: Fresh is best!
- Canned green chiles: Choose mild green chiles for a less spicy dish or you can increase the heat with hotter varieties.
- Canned diced tomatoes: You can use regular or fire roasted.
- Spices: I like a combination of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Cream cheese: I highly recommend using full fat for the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken broth: Veggie or beef broth will also work.
- Cheddar cheese: I always recommend shredding the cheese yourself for the best flavor and melted consistency. But pre-shredded also works in a pinch. If preferred you can substitute cheddar for Colby jack, pepper jack or another type of cheese.
- Sour cream: Again, I really recommend using full fat for the best results.
- Spaghetti noodles: This recipe has been tested using classic, wheat based spaghetti pasta. If you'd prefer to use a gluten free variety I recommend cooking the pasta separately (not in the slow cooker) and then stirring it into the chicken and sauce before melting the cheese on top.
- Parsley (optional): For garnish.
Step-by-Step Photos
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Chicken thighs work well in the slow cooker and add great flavor. Just make sure they are boneless so it's easy to shred.
Yes, I like cooking the pasta in the slow cooker to avoid dirtying another pot. But if you prefer to can use pre-cooked spaghetti. You'll just want to add it in before you sprinkle the cheese over the top, rather than when you stir in the sour cream.
Yes, we love doing this! I usually freeze cooked chicken spaghetti in individual portions using Souper Cubes. And then you can thaw overnight before reheating or just throw in the microwave on medium heat for several minutes until cooked through.
Yes, you absolutely can. You'll just need to use gluten-free noodles. Because the cooking time can vary I recommend cooking the noodles according to the package directions and then adding the cooked noodles to the slow cooker right before you sprinkle on the cheese so they don't get mushy.
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Made this slow cooker chicken spaghetti recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 4 oz canned green chiles
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- pinch of cayenne optional
- salt & pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth (divided)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a large slow cooker combine chicken, onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, diced tomatoes, green chiles, cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and a pinch of cayenne with a pinch of salt and pepper and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the chicken and mix into the sauce. Then stir in 2 more cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Nestle the spaghetti noodles into the mixture, making sure they are covered by the sauce (if they aren't you can add a little more chicken broth). Cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the noodles are tender but still al-dente.
- Stir in the sour cream and then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese has melted. Turn off the heat and let it set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley and an extra dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Susie
Just came across your recipe; it looks delicious, as well as more healthy, and in the slow cooker! Would it freeze well to make, and then put the whole thing in a disposable casserole tin to take on vacation?
jamjarkitchen
Hi Susie - Yes! We keep leftovers of this in the freezer all the time. I portion it out in individual Souper Cubes (or any freezer-safe container), and it thaws and reheats beautifully. I think it would work great to make ahead, freeze, then pop into a disposable casserole tin to take on vacation. Let me know how it turns out!
Alice
This turned out so great! I'm so glad I thought ahead--it was so nice having this ready to go once I got home from work!
jamjarkitchen
So glad you liked it!
Mia
This slow cooker chicken spaghetti came out cheesy, comforting, and so easy—perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner.
Jen
I loved having this crockpot meal ready to go and my family devoured it!
jamjarkitchen
Hi Jen- So glad y'all enjoyed it!
Lathiya
This is one of the best chicken spaghetti I had. The flavors were spot one and everyone in the family loved it.
Gaby
This slow cooker chicken spaghetti looks perfect for a cozy dinner! Easy, comforting, and all in one pot ??
Jen
We loved this quick weeknight meal! Will definitely be added to the rotation
Emily
Great slow cooker recipe. I love that you don't need to cook pasta separately.
Denise
The sauce was to die for. And the chicken so tender in the slow cooker.
Riley
I served this with some roasted green beans on the side and it was so comforting!
jamjarkitchen
So glad you liked it!