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Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti - recipe card

This slow-cooker chicken spaghetti is a one-pot comfort meal featuring tender shredded chicken, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with melted Cheddar cheese and a hint of Rotel heat. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself, delivering a velvety, cheesy, and satisfying bowl of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
  • 8 oz (227g) spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10 oz / 284g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced (about 1 small onion)
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced (about 1/2 medium)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 oz (113g) sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup), divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
  3. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C and shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker to a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed for quick, even shredding.
  5. While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1.5 tsp salt per 4 cups water). Add the spaghetti and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until just shy of al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  6. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the slow cooker with the sauce, stirring to coat every strand. The sauce will be slightly thin at this point—the pasta will absorb it as it finishes.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
  8. Add half of the grated Cheddar cheese (2 oz / 56g) to the slow cooker and stir until melted to create a creamy base. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Do not cook longer than 20 minutes, as the pasta can become mushy.
  10. If the mixture looks too dry after the additional cook time, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve promptly. Spoon into bowls and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy goodness.
  12. Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
  13. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until hot.

Nutrition

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