Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken, melted Velveeta cheese, and a delightful blend of cream soups, this dish is packed with comfort and nutrition. A touch of Rotel tomatoes and green pepper adds a hint of zest, while the spaghetti provides a hearty base. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker for a hassle-free meal that's bursting with flavor. Serve with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
195
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
16 ounces (cooked)
Velveeta reduced fat cheese product
1 lb (cubed)
canned chicken breasts
12.5 ounces (drained and flaked)
98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup
10.75 ounces (undiluted)
98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
10.75 ounces (undiluted)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
10 ounces (drained)
canned mushroom stems and pieces
4 ounces (drained)
water
1/2 cup (none)
onion
1 small (diced)
green pepper
1 medium (diced)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, flaked chicken, Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes), cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, mushroom stems and pieces, diced onion, diced green pepper, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Transfer the mixture into the prepared slow cooker and stir everything together until well combined.
4
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is heated through. Stir once or twice during cooking for even melting.
5
Just before serving, give it another good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole?
It is a rich and creamy slow-cooker dish featuring tender chicken, melted Velveeta cheese, spaghetti, and a blend of cream soups with a hint of zest from Rotel tomatoes.
How do I prepare the slow cooker for this recipe?
You should spray your slow cooker generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cheese and pasta from sticking to the sides.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before putting it in the crockpot?
Yes, the recipe requires 16 ounces of spaghetti that has already been cooked before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12.5 ounces of canned chicken breasts that have been drained and flaked.
Can I substitute the canned chicken with fresh chicken?
Yes, you can use an equivalent amount of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breasts.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
The recipe specifically uses 1 lb of Velveeta reduced fat cheese product, cubed for easier melting.
What cream soups are needed?
You will need one 10.75-ounce can of 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup and one 10.75-ounce can of 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup.
Should the cream soups be diluted with water?
No, the soups should be added to the mixture undiluted.
What is the purpose of adding Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel tomatoes and chilies add a hint of zest and flavor to the creamy base of the casserole.
How long does this dish cook in the slow cooker?
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is heated through.
Do I need to stir the casserole while it is cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the mixture once or twice during the cooking process to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes a small diced onion, a medium diced green pepper, and canned mushroom stems and pieces.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, but the creamy cheese and soups balance the heat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 195 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this chicken spaghetti?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I leave out the mushrooms?
Yes, you can omit the canned mushrooms and replace the cream of mushroom soup with an extra can of cream of chicken if you prefer.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread.
Can I use regular Velveeta instead of the reduced-fat version?
Yes, regular Velveeta works fine, though it will slightly increase the fat and calorie content.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an easy 'toss and go' slow cooker meal that can be prepared quickly.
What size onion and green pepper should I use?
Use one small onion and one medium-sized green pepper.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify to drain the Rotel tomatoes and chilies before adding them to the bowl.
How much water is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to help achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While spaghetti is traditional for this dish, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne if they are pre-cooked.
How should I season the casserole?
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the cheesy, creamy nature of the sauce usually makes it a favorite for children.
What makes this a 'comfort food' recipe?
The combination of pasta, melted cheese, and creamy soups creates a warm, satisfying texture typical of classic comfort foods.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, because the chicken and pasta are already cooked, you can simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat until the cheese is melted.