Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Imagine a dish that combines the rich, velvety texture of creamy tomato sauce, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti – all prepared with minimal effort in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti is not just a meal; it's a comforting embrace that will have your family begging for seconds and your kitchen smelling like an Italian restaurant!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes over the chicken, ensuring the meat is mostly covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them directly into the slow cooker, stirring to ensure they're coated with the sauce.
- Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, season your chicken breasts generously and ensure they're patted dry before cooking.
- Break spaghetti noodles in half to help them cook more evenly and fit better in the slow cooker.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
