If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is the answer. This slow-cooked family favorite takes all the flavors of a classic baked casserole and transforms them into a hands-off, weeknight-friendly recipe. With tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, it’s the kind of dinner that wins over both kids and adults.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a hearty comfort food, this recipe checks every box.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: The crockpot does all the work.
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit at potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, pasta type, or cheese blend to your liking.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
🕒 Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: ~6 hours (hands-off)
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – mild or spicy
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta (uncooked, broken in half)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Swap spaghetti for penne or rotini.
- Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Use Monterey Jack or Velveeta for a creamier texture.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chicken broth into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
- Once tender, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
- Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked spaghetti. Break it in half so it fits evenly in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-packaged cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Keep it creamy: If pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of milk or broth before serving.
- Meal-prep trick: Cook pasta separately and combine just before serving — this keeps it from getting mushy.
- For extra flavor: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and cheesy, so pair it with lighter sides:
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
- Crisp green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted broccoli, green beans, or zucchini
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or iced tea
🥶 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
⚡ Variations to Try
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or pepper jack cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki pasta.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
❓ FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes! Just reduce the cook time and stir it in during the cheese step.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything except pasta, refrigerate, and cook the next day. Add pasta near the end.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes. Cook chicken for about 3 hours on high instead of 6 on low.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is at least 7–8 quarts.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
📌 Final Thoughts
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti is everything comfort food should be: cheesy, creamy, and effortless. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or serving at a potluck, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. With endless variations and meal-prep potential, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
💡 Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze half — you’ll thank yourself on a hectic night.
