Welcome to the world of comfort food with our Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini. This recipe is not just another chicken dish; it’s a delightful pasta bake that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente spaghetti, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of this delectable dish wafting through your kitchen it’s the ultimate weeknight meal that will please the whole family!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker recipe is your best friend. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a rich and satisfying pasta dish that is both creamy and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile you can add your favorite vegetables or substitute the chicken with turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini. For starters, it’s an all-in-one dish that brings together protein, carbohydrates, and veggies into a single serving, making it a wholesome meal. The creamy texture of the sauce, combined with the tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked spaghetti, creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Moreover, this recipe is designed for convenience. You can prepare it in under 15 minutes, place it in your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. Whether you’re busy with work, errands, or family activities, this dish will be ready to serve when you are. You can set it to cook on low for a longer period, or on high if you need it ready sooner.
Another reason you’ll adore this recipe is its adaptability. Want to include more veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers. Prefer a different cheese? Feel free to experiment with cheddar or mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a great way to clean out your fridge and reduce food waste.
Finally, let’s not forget the taste! Each serving is a creamy, cheesy delight, topped with freshly grated Parmesan that melts into the dish just moments before serving. The combination of garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning adds a depth of flavor that makes it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
When it comes to easy meal prep, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is a game changer. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also brings a comforting meal to your table without the fuss. The slow cooker method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully over time, resulting in a dish that tastes like you slaved over it for hours.
Furthermore, this recipe is an excellent way to use leftover chicken. If you have rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken on hand, you can easily shred it and incorporate it into this dish. This not only minimizes waste but also allows you to whip up a delicious meal in no time.
Health-wise, this dish offers a good balance of nutrients. With protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the spaghetti, and fiber from the peas and mushrooms, it’s a well-rounded meal that keeps you satisfied. It’s also customizable to fit various dietary needs; you can opt for whole grain pasta, low-fat cream soups, or even gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
Finally, let’s talk about family appeal. Kids and adults alike love creamy pasta dishes, and this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites, and the creamy texture makes it kid-friendly perfect for those picky eaters in your household!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Necessary Utensils
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Having these ingredients and tools ready will ensure that your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini comes out perfectly every time!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have everything prepped, let’s get started with making this delightful dish. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a wonderful outcome.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broken spaghetti, sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the mixture into the greased slow cooker, spreading it out evenly. This helps in even cooking and ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the spaghetti is tender and the sauce is bubbly. The slow cooking process really enhances the flavors!
- Finish the Dish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt, creating a deliciously cheesy topping.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the tetrazzini a good stir to combine everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or some crusty bread!
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken; however, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Can I substitute the spaghetti with another type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer, but be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require adjustments.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream soups, or adding more vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook!
Conclusion
In summary, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini is an effortless dish that combines ease and flavor in one delicious package. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. We encourage you to try this recipe, leave your thoughts in the comments, and share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other offerings like Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff!
Don’t forget to visit our Pinterest for more mouthwatering ideas and inspiration!
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces Spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broken spaghetti, sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Finish the Dish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and allow it to melt.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the tetrazzini a good stir. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
