Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti: A Flavor-Packed One-Pot Meal

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta dish? This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect solution! Juicy, tender shredded chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and just a hint of spice. Tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is comforting, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

With the help of a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time while still delivering maximum flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy—set it and forget it!
• Rich and Hearty: The long, slow cooking process creates a deeply flavorful tomato sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti.
• Family-Friendly: A dish loved by both kids and adults, it’s perfect for a family dinner.
• Versatile: Easily customize the spices, pasta, or even the protein to suit your preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or packed lunches.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 lb chicken breast
  Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker. Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  High-quality crushed tomatoes are key for a rich and flavorful sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Garlic is essential for that classic Italian flavor.
• 1 tsp dried basil
  Brings a sweet, herbaceous note to the sauce.
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  A must-have herb for Italian dishes, adding a slightly earthy and peppery flavor.
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  Adds a subtle heat to the sauce. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  Used to sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing their flavor.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
  Adds moisture and richness to the sauce while helping to simmer the chicken to tender perfection.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Enhances the overall flavor and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

For the Pasta and Garnish:

• 12 oz spaghetti
  Traditional spaghetti is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Fresh parsley
  Adds a vibrant, fresh garnish to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. To the skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red chili flakes (if using).
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine all the ingredients. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, letting it absorb the flavors.

5. Cook the Spaghetti

1. About 20 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and toss it with the chicken and sauce directly in the slow cooker, or serve the sauce over individual portions of pasta.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the chicken spaghetti and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve hot, with optional sides like garlic bread or a green salad.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth but isn’t necessary for a delicious result.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
3. Season in Layers: Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
4. Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of freshness, toss in a handful of fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
5. Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or mozzarella on top for an indulgent twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Make it Creamy

• Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone to the sauce at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.

2. Use a Different Protein

• Substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, turkey, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

3. Add Vegetables

• Toss in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and texture.

4. Spice it Up

• For a spicier version, double the red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles (zoodles) to make the dish gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti with these sides for a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a nutritious side.
• Parmesan Cheese: Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken and sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, and cook the spaghetti fresh before serving.

2. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! The chicken and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving with freshly cooked pasta.

3. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, this recipe works perfectly with whole wheat, gluten-free, or even alternative pastas like chickpea or lentil pasta.

4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with chickpeas or plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in a Dutch oven or large pot. Simmer on low heat for 1–2 hours, shredding the chicken once it’s tender.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta dish that the whole family will love. The slow cooker does all the hard work, creating tender chicken and a deeply flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or planning meals in advance, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

So grab your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Your delicious, fuss-free dinner is just a few hours away! Buon appetito!

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