If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish to cozy up with, this Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s an effortless way to transform simple ingredients into a rich, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that practically makes itself while you get on with your day. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and melty cheeses come together in a luscious sauce, all tossed with spaghetti for the perfect warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully approachable—it relies on straightforward, honest ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the dish’s creamy texture, balanced flavors, and inviting aroma. Every item is a building block that brings depth and comfort to the plate.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Using bite-sized cubes helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb all the lovely flavors.
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms: These add a savory earthiness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly (white or portobello mushrooms work well, too).
- 1 onion, diced: Onion adds subtle sweetness and depth, especially if you opt for caramelized for an extra flavor boost.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic delivers that wonderful aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs is the magic that ties the whole flavor profile together.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough to enhance all the natural tastes without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the perfect base for the sauce, infusing moisture and subtle savoriness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: The secret to that luxuriously creamy texture that makes the sauce so irresistible.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give the dish a gooey, cheesy finish.
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti: Classic long pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness (feel free to swap for your favorite long noodle).
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a salty, nutty garnish.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, colorful finishing touch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by giving your crockpot a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures that nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze, so you can focus entirely on the delicious outcome.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Into the crockpot, add the chicken cubes, sliced mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chicken broth, and cubed cream cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly so the cream cheese begins to melt into the broth, creating a rich base for your sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Mixture
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the chicken beautifully and allows all the flavors to marry together, building that incredibly comforting richness you want in a tetrazzini.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Turn your crockpot up to high and mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover again and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted, creating a luscious, gooey sauce that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta
While the cheese is melting, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. This timing ensures your pasta will be fresh and ready to toss into the sauce for ultimate creaminess.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and add it right into the crockpot. Give everything a good toss to coat every strand in the cheesy sauce, making sure the chicken and mushrooms are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once mixed, serve your beautiful chicken tetrazzini hot, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of minced parsley for that extra burst of flavor and vibrant color.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan cheese and bright green parsley don’t just make the dish look inviting; they also add a salty, nutty note and a fresh herbal aroma that elevates every bite. Consider a little extra cracked black pepper for an added kick if you enjoy a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This hearty, creamy dish pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, which provide a refreshing contrast and lighten the meal. A slice of crusty garlic bread is also an unbeatable partner for mopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist that’s perfect for entertaining, try serving the Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes. Top with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust that will impress your guests and outshine any takeout.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as good if not better. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead in bigger batches, this tetrazzini freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the tetrazzini gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy, cheesy consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much and nobody likes a dry casserole!
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breast is standard, chicken thighs or tenders work just as well and may add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if your pieces are larger.
What type of pasta works best in Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe?
Traditional recipes use spaghetti, but any long pasta shape like linguine or fettuccine will be delicious. Avoid small shapes that might get lost in the sauce or overcook in the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
The cream cheese contributes to that signature rich and creamy sauce. You could substitute with heavy cream or a béchamel, but the texture and tang will differ slightly. Cream cheese is highly recommended for the authentic experience.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the cream cheese and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and a plant-based shredded cheese. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegan version. Expect slight taste and texture variations but still delicious!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe freezes very well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve its creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about coming home to a slow-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe is exactly that—a rich, comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of heart. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy dinner for yourself, give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting and creamy pasta dish made easy with a slow cooker. Tender chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic meld together with Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and mozzarella to create a rich sauce. Tossed with spaghetti and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this hearty meal is perfect for hands-off cooking and serves six people.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (thighs or tenders work as well)
- 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms (white button or portobello mushrooms also work)
- 1 onion, diced (or caramelized onion if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (1 brick)
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Pasta and Garnish
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box), or any long pasta shape
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the cubed chicken, sliced mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, chicken broth, and cream cheese cubes into the crockpot. Stir all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Turn the crockpot heat setting to high, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, cover again, and cook for another 15 minutes until the cheese has melted completely.
- Cook Pasta: While the mozzarella is melting in the crockpot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir gently to coat the noodles thoroughly with the creamy chicken and mushroom sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the tetrazzini and serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley, if desired, for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Any long pasta shape can be used instead of spaghetti, such as linguine or fettuccine.
- For a richer flavor, caramelized onions can replace raw diced onions.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
- Use fresh parsley and Parmesan for best garnish flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled in a larger crockpot for bigger gatherings.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheat nicely.
