This creamy crock pot chicken spaghetti is made in one pot - no boiling pasta separately! With tender chicken in a cheesy Rotel sauce, it's a super easy dump-and-go family dinner.

For another idea of a creamy pasta dinner where the slow cooker does all the work, try my Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini next!

crock pot chicken spaghetti with tomatoes

My creamy crock pot chicken spaghetti is the cozy, cheesy dinner the whole family asks for on repeat and the slow cooker does just about all the work.

What I love most about it is that there's no separate pot of pasta to boil. The noodles cook right in the slow cooker, so you dump, walk away, and come back to a creamy bowl of comfort with just one dish to wash.

And if you're ever in a rush, my Instant Pot chicken spaghetti gets the same flavors on the table in 30 minutes.

Why you'll love this Crock Pot chicken spaghetti

Super creamy, cheesy and cozy. The cream cheese and a generous handful of cheddar melt into the sauce so every noodle gets coated.
Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly. A can of soup, a can of Rotel, some chicken and a box of spaghetti, so nothing you need to hunt down.
Easy to scale for a crowd. As written, it's a comfortable dinner for four. Double it, and it'll feed a houseful.

close up photo of a crock pot chicken spaghetti

What you'll need

Cream of chicken soup - this is the creamy backbone of the sauce. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery works just as well.

Rotel - I typically make this with mild Rotel, which is perfect if you're serving the spaghetti to kids. For more kick, use the original version.

Chicken - I used chicken breast fillets, but you can also try chicken thighs, which remain extra juicy.

Cream cheese - Make sure you have it at room temperature so it melts more quickly.

Seasonings - I add flavor to this dish with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper.

Chicken stock - This allows the pasta to cook right in the pot. I use low-sodium so the dish doesn't get too salty as it reduces down.

Spaghetti - Breaking it in half lets it tuck down into the sauce and cook evenly.

Shredded cheddar - It's always best to shred your own off a block because it melts better.

Pro tip

Only give the spaghetti a stir once or twice after adding it to the pot. This way, you prevent them from clumping together while avoiding turning them into mush.

How to make chicken spaghetti in a Crock Pot

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Place the cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and chicken stock in the slow cooker and stir well to combine.

crock pot chicken spaghetti cooking steps

crock pot chicken spaghetti making instructions

Nestle the chicken breasts in the liquid, making sure they're submerged, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Add the broken spaghetti and stir well so the noodles are submerged in the sauce.

Turn the slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the noodles are just tender.

Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and the sauce is creamy, adjust the seasoning to taste, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

adding cheese to a crock pot chicken spaghetti

Substitutions and variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result.
Even though this is called "crock pot chicken spaghetti", you can use a different pasta such as penne, rotini or broken linguini.
Switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or a cheddar-jack blend instead of plain cheddar.

Helpful tips

Shred the chicken while it's hot, as it's much easier. Use two forms or a hand mixer.
If you notice that the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of warm chicken stock.
Don't drain the Rotel because the liquid flavors the dish and helps cook the pasta.
To double, scale all ingredients, use a 6-8-quart slow cooker, and add a few extra minutes to the pasta cooking time.

What to serve with crock pot chicken and spaghetti

This creamy crock pot chicken and spaghetti is pretty much a meal on its own, but it's even better with a little something on the side to round it out.
I love serving it with a simple green salad or some buttery garlic bread to mop up all that cheesy sauce.
If you want to add a vegetable, roasted broccoli, green beans or a quick sautéed zucchini all work great.

Leftovers and storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low, or in the microwave at 70% power. Stir in a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.
This dish can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze the chicken-and-sauce base before adding the pasta, then cook fresh spaghetti when you reheat it. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

More easy pasta dinners you'll love

If you've tried this Crock Pot chicken spaghetti recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.

And if you're looking for more delicious inspiration, follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!