Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 large can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic
- 1 block (8 oz) of cream cheese
- 1 block (16 oz) of Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can (10 oz) of mild Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) of butter
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 lb of spaghetti noodles
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Place the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, Velveeta cheese cubes, Rotel tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, butter, and chopped green onions into the crockpot.
- Cook in the Crockpot:
- Set the crockpot to cook on high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure all the cheeses melt and combine with the other ingredients, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- About 20 minutes before the crockpot cooking time is up, cook the spaghetti noodles on the stove according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles once they are cooked al dente.
- Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti noodles to the crockpot, stirring well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce.
- Season the mixture to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the creamy chicken spaghetti hot. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Cheese Melting: Make sure to cube the Velveeta cheese to help it melt evenly.
- Stirring: Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Serving: This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Absolutely delicious and super easy!
Benefits of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
- Convenient and Easy:
- The recipe requires minimal prep time, as it uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and canned soups, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free meal.
- Cooking the dish in a crockpot allows for a « set it and forget it » approach, freeing up your time for other tasks.
- Delicious and Comforting:
- The combination of cream cheese, Velveeta, and canned soups creates a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce that is both satisfying and indulgent.
- The use of Rotel adds a mild, flavorful kick, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Versatile:
- This recipe is adaptable; you can add other ingredients like vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach) to increase its nutritional value.
- You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly:
- The creamy and cheesy nature of this dish is appealing to both kids and adults, making it a hit with the whole family.
- It’s a great way to use leftover chicken, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
- Affordable:
- The ingredients used in this recipe are relatively inexpensive and can be easily found in most grocery stores.
- Utilizing a rotisserie chicken provides a cost-effective and flavorful protein option.
- One-Pot Meal:
- Cooking the main components of the dish in the crockpot reduces the number of dishes and clean-up required, making post-meal clean-up quick and easy.
- Nutritious:
- By incorporating protein from the chicken and essential vitamins and minerals from the green onions and potential added vegetables, this dish provides a balanced meal.
- The recipe can be modified to include whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
- Great for Leftovers:
- This dish reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- The flavors often meld and deepen after sitting, making leftovers even more delicious.
Q&A for Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before adding it to the crockpot.
Q: Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of a rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Cook them in the crockpot with the other ingredients until they are fully cooked and tender, then shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in the crockpot and cook the pasta separately. Combine them and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the cooled spaghetti in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. Add them to the crockpot along with the other ingredients or sauté them separately and mix them in before serving.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
A: To make a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free Velveeta alternative, and dairy-free soups. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack. Just make sure to cube or shred the cheese for easy melting.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To make the dish spicier, you can use hot Rotel instead of mild, add diced jalapeños, or include a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought?
A: Yes, homemade chicken broth can be used and will add even more flavor to the dish.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning in the crockpot?
A: To prevent the cheese from burning, make sure to stir the mixture occasionally during cooking and keep the crockpot on low or medium heat.
Q: Can I add more seasonings or spices to this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even paprika for additional flavor.