Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: crockpot chicken spaghetti! Seriously, it’s a game changer. I love how I can just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal that practically cooks itself. The chicken gets so tender, and the spaghetti absorbs all that rich marinara sauce—it’s like a big hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s super simple, which is perfect for those busy days when I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your house, too. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple dish can be so full of flavor!

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

1 pound of chicken breasts
8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti
2 cups of marinara sauce
1 cup of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

That’s it! Simple, right? I love how these ingredients come together to create such a comforting meal. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; you can always adjust based on what you have in your pantry! Just make sure to grab that marinara sauce—it’s the heart of this dish!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. Here’s what you need to do:

First things first, place the chicken breasts right in your crockpot. This is the base of our dish, so make sure they’re nice and evenly spread out.
Next, pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. This is where the magic happens—the sauce will infuse so much flavor into the chicken!
Add in the Italian seasoning, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is your chance to season it just the way you like it!
Now, cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and the smell is absolutely heavenly.
Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot. Trust me, this step makes everything so much easier to eat!
Now, here comes the fun part! Add the uncooked spaghetti into the crockpot and give it a good stir to combine everything together.
Cover it again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is perfectly tender. You’ll want to check it halfway through to make sure it’s not getting too soft.
Finally, stir in that glorious shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Oh wow, you’re going to love this part!

And there you have it! A simple, hearty meal that’s ready to be devoured. Just take a moment to enjoy the aroma before you dig in—trust me, it’s worth it!

Tips for Success

Let me share some of my go-to tips for making sure your crockpot chicken spaghetti turns out absolutely perfect every time! These little nuggets of wisdom have helped me along the way, and I’m sure they’ll help you too:

Adjust seasonings: Feel free to tweak the Italian seasoning or add some garlic powder and red pepper flakes for a little kick! Taste as you go, and make it your own.
Frozen chicken is fine: Don’t worry if you forgot to thaw your chicken! You can use frozen breasts; just add an extra hour to your cooking time on low.
Check spaghetti texture: When you add the spaghetti, keep an eye on it. Stir it halfway through cooking to ensure it doesn’t clump together and gets that perfect al dente bite.
Use high-quality marinara: The sauce is key! Pick a marinara you love, or even try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous. It really makes a difference in flavor!
Don’t skip the cheese: Adding that mozzarella at the end is a must! It adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot chicken spaghetti is truly a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavor-packed: The combination of chicken, marinara, and melted mozzarella creates a rich, delicious sauce that’s hard to resist.
One-pot meal: Everything cooks together in the crockpot, making cleanup a breeze. Less time scrubbing pots means more time enjoying your meal!
Comfort food: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Gluten-free option: Swap out the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and you can enjoy this dish without a worry!
Family-friendly: Kids (and adults!) love it! It’s a surefire way to please picky eaters.

Seriously, once you taste this crockpot chicken spaghetti, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen! It’s all about that cozy, comforting feeling that makes dinner time so special.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate values. Here’s what you can typically expect per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 2g

Remember, these numbers might fluctuate a bit depending on your choices, but I think you’ll find this dish to be a satisfying balance of comfort and nutrition. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! Pairing this dish with the right sides can really elevate your meal. Here are some of my favorites:

Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with buttery, garlicky bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that rich marinara sauce.
Side salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies with olive oil and herbs, then roast them until they’re caramelized. They add great flavor and color to your plate!
Steamed broccoli: Simple and healthy, steamed broccoli is a great way to add some greens to your meal. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the cheesy spaghetti!
Wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a nice glass of red wine can enhance the flavors of your dish. A Chianti or Merlot would be a lovely choice.

These sides not only complement the flavors but also make your dinner feel complete and satisfying. I love mixing and matching depending on my mood, so feel free to get creative!

FAQ Section

Got questions about this crockpot chicken spaghetti recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, and I’ll share my tips to help you out:

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can use any pasta you love. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some shapes might take longer or shorter to cook. Penne or rotini work great too!

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with any pasta sauce you have on hand, like Alfredo or a homemade tomato sauce. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then pop it in the crockpot in the morning. It’s a fantastic meal prep option that saves you time!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to keep it nice and moist!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini when you add the spaghetti. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!

I hope these answers help clear up any questions you had! Enjoy making your crockpot chicken spaghetti—it’s going to be a hit!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this amazing crockpot chicken spaghetti, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly and reheat them so they taste just as good as the first time:

Storing leftovers: Let the spaghetti cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to lock in all that delicious flavor!
Freezing option: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It should be good for about 2 months, but I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s so tasty!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, pop it in a bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. If you’re using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist while heating it over medium heat.
Check the texture: As you reheat, make sure to stir it well. This helps the spaghetti absorb any extra moisture and keeps everything nice and creamy. Nobody likes dry pasta!

With these simple tips, your leftovers will be just as delightful as when you first made them. Enjoy every last bite!

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: 7 Cozy Comforts to Savor

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Crockpot
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious crockpot chicken spaghetti recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken breasts
8 ounces spaghetti
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Remove chicken and shred it, then return it to the crockpot.
Add uncooked spaghetti and stir to combine.
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until spaghetti is tender.
Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted.

Notes

This dish can be made with frozen chicken.
Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken spaghetti

Spread the love