Welcome to a deliciously creamy and comforting Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich, savory flavors of rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, Velveeta, and a touch of spice from Rotel. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delectable dish step-by-step, along with some tasty variations and tips for keto and low-carb versions.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti:
- 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 16 oz block of Velveeta, cubed
- 1 can of mild Rotel, undrained
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred the Chicken: Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones.
- Chop the Cheese and Onions: Cube the Velveeta cheese and chop the green onions. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Layer Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic, cream cheese, cubed Velveeta, undrained can of mild Rotel, and chicken broth.
- Add Butter: Cut the 1/2 stick of butter into small pieces and dot them over the top of the mixture.
- Mix Well: Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the flavors blend together.
Step 4: Prepare the Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti: About 30 minutes before the crockpot mixture is done, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Mix in Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the crockpot and stir to combine with the creamy chicken mixture. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the spaghetti to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with the chopped green onions and serve warm.
Cook’s Notes
- Creaminess: If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of chicken broth or a splash of milk.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by using hot Rotel or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make-Ahead: The chicken mixture can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply add it to the crockpot in the morning and cook as directed.
Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Spaghetti with Vegetables:
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the crockpot for added nutrition and color.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, incorporating the vegetables into the mixture.
2. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti:
- Ingredients: Use hot Rotel and add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, adding the spices to the crockpot.
3. Cheesy Bacon Chicken Spaghetti:
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the mixture.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, incorporating the bacon into the mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:
- Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 big can of cream of chicken soup (keto-friendly version or homemade)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic (keto-friendly version or homemade)
- 1 block of cream cheese
- 1 16 oz block of Velveeta, cubed (keto-friendly version or use more cream cheese)
- 1 can of mild Rotel, undrained
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 4 cups of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
- Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken and Cheese: Shred the chicken and cube the cheese as described above.
- Layer Ingredients: Combine all ingredients except the zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in the crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Combine and Serve: Add the zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to the crockpot, stir well, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.
Low-Carb Creamy Chicken Spaghetti:
- Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 big can of cream of chicken soup (low-carb version or homemade)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup with roasted garlic (low-carb version or homemade)
- 1 block of cream cheese
- 1 16 oz block of Velveeta, cubed (low-carb version or use more cream cheese)
- 1 can of mild Rotel, undrained
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 4 cups of shirataki noodles or low-carb pasta
- Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken and Cheese: Shred the chicken and cube the cheese as described above.
- Layer Ingredients: Combine all ingredients except the shirataki noodles or low-carb pasta in the crockpot.
- Cook on Low: Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare shirataki noodles or low-carb pasta.
- Combine and Serve: Add the shirataki noodles or low-carb pasta to the crockpot, stir well, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Simply cook the chicken breasts (bake, grill, or poach) and shred them before adding them to the crockpot.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure all ingredients, such as soups and chicken broth, are labeled gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free pasta.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I serve with creamy chicken spaghetti?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
6. Can I add other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier version.
7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and dairy-free cream soups. Adjust the flavors as needed.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful dish that combines convenience with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making the classic version or trying out the keto and low-carb variations, this recipe is sure to please the entire family. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a deliciously creamy and cheesy meal with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize. We hope you find this guide helpful and enjoy making and eating this creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti as much as we do. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Additional Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Seasoning Suggestions
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the chicken mixture, such as thyme, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning, to personalize the flavor. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Adding Texture
Consider adding a crunchy element to the topping, like crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions, for extra texture and flavor contrast. This will give the dish a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Serving Suggestions
Provide ideas for serving, such as pairing with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Other great sides include roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple coleslaw.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of the creamy spaghetti. Sauté the mushrooms or tofu until golden brown, then add them to the crockpot with the other ingredients.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the mix for added nutrition. Sauté these vegetables lightly before adding them to the crockpot to enhance their flavor and texture.
Enjoy your creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti and happy cooking!
