Weeknight dinners just got easier and more delicious! Dive into a bowl of ultimate comfort with this amazing Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and wonderfully tangy dish your entire family will adore.
The use of a slow cooker offers significant advantages for food safety, as the consistent low temperature and steam destroy bacteria effectively.
Using your slow cooker makes preparation a breeze, delivering a hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Get ready to enjoy a new favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
This Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a true game-changer for busy cooks. It offers incredible flavor without hours of cooking, making it perfect for any night.
- Effortless Slow Cooker Preparation: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker handles most of the work, tenderizing the chicken to perfection.
- Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy Goodness: Layers of cream cheese and Monterey Jack create an irresistible, decadent sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Tangy Kick from Pepperoncinis: The signature ingredient adds a delightful, mild heat and a zesty flavor that truly elevates this dish.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: This generous, comforting meal satisfies everyone, even the pickiest eaters.
- Hearty, Comforting, and Satisfying: A spoonful of this creamy chicken pasta feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your incredible Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe:
- Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasonings: 1 (1 ounce) packet au jus mix, 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- Flavor Boosters: 12 jarred pepperoncini peppers, divided (or more to taste), 1/4 cup pepperoncini brine from the jar
- Dairy: 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, 8 ounces cream cheese (full-fat recommended), 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Pasta: 1 pound spaghetti (or preferred long pasta)
- Garnish: 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a richer flavor. For a faster option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and adjust cooking times.
- Seasonings: If you prefer, make your own homemade ranch seasoning blend. An onion soup mix can also substitute for the au jus for a different savory note.
- Peppers: Adjust the quantity of pepperoncini peppers to control the tang and mild heat.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like sharp cheddar or Colby Jack for a twist on this creamy chicken spaghetti.
- Pasta: Shorter pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or even egg noodles work wonderfully in this dish if you prefer them over spaghetti.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment to bring this delicious slow cooker chicken spaghetti to life.
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger is ideal)
- Large pot (for cooking the spaghetti)
- Shredding forks or a hand mixer (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Instructions For Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti
Follow these easy steps to prepare your amazing Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe. This simple process ensures a perfect, comforting meal every time.
- Gather all ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms the base for our flavorful Mississippi chicken pasta.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the au jus and ranch seasoning mixes evenly over the chicken. These packets pack a huge flavor punch for this slow cooker chicken spaghetti.
- Add Flavor: Place 6 of the pepperoncini peppers on top of the chicken. Pour 1/4 cup of the pepperoncini brine from the jar over everything. This is key for the unique tangy flavor in this Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
- Top with Butter: Lay the stick of butter on top of the chicken and peppers. The butter slowly melts, infusing richness throughout the dish.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on High for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Uncover the slow cooker. Add the 8 ounces of cream cheese to the pot. Replace the lid and continue to cook while the pasta cooks, about 10 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 pound of spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes, or until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Remove the cooked peppers and chop them into smaller pieces. Chop the remaining 6 fresh pepperoncinis. Add all the shredded chicken and chopped peppers back to the slow cooker. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy. This is crucial for a smooth Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
- Add Pasta & Cheese: Add the drained spaghetti, the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Top the mixture with the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cover the slow cooker again and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the delicious Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Make your slow cooker chicken spaghetti perfect every time with these helpful tips.
- Perfectly Shredded Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for ease. For an even quicker method, use a hand mixer to shred the cooked chicken in the pot.
- Achieving Creamy Sauce: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! Its starch helps thicken the sauce and ensures a luscious, creamy texture for your creamy chicken pasta.
- Adjusting Spice Level: For more heat, add extra pepperoncinis or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less tang, reduce the amount of pepperoncini brine.
- Preventing Dry Pasta: Cook your spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid in the slow cooker. If the dish seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water or chicken broth.
- Faster Cooking Options: If you’re truly short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking to ensure it’s heated through.
- Make Ahead Tips: You can cook the chicken mixture ahead of time. Refrigerate it, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta and cheese when ready to serve this easy chicken spaghetti.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that offers many possibilities.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich sauce.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a great, simple side dish.
- Serve with a fresh baguette to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Mississippi chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat larger portions in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth to prevent drying.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a diced jalapeño with the chicken, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery Mississippi chicken pasta.
- Veggie Boost: Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach and stir them in with the cooked pasta for added nutrition and texture.
- Different Proteins: This creamy chicken pasta is also fantastic with shredded pork or even ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Baked Version: After combining the chicken, pasta, and sauce, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the spaghetti: Always cook it al dente; it will continue to soften in the slow cooker.
- Not reserving pasta water: This starchy water is crucial for creating a silky, creamy sauce.
- Forgetting the pepperoncini brine: The brine is essential for the signature tangy flavor of this dish.
Nutrition
Enjoy this satisfying Mississippi chicken spaghetti! Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650-750 |
| Total Fat | 35-45g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 120-150mg |
| Sodium | 1000-1200mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45-55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
| Sugars | 3-5g |
| Protein | 40-50g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes. This information should be used as a general guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti?
It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken spaghetti, featuring boneless chicken, ranch and au jus seasonings, butter, and a signature tang from pepperoncini peppers and their brine, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This dish offers a rich, creamy, and mildly zesty flavor profile.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, absolutely! Using fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs works perfectly for this Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe. There’s no need to adjust the cooking time significantly.
Can I make it in advance?
This dish is fantastic for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and sauce mixture a day or two ahead, then reheat it gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta and cheese just before serving.
Is it spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy in the traditional sense. The pepperoncinis provide a mild, tangy kick rather than intense heat. You can always adjust the number of peppers to your liking.
Conclusion
This ultimate Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti recipe truly delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s the perfect solution for a comforting, satisfying meal that requires minimal hands-on effort, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.
Whether you’re a busy parent or a beginner cook, this creamy chicken pasta will quickly become a cherished family favorite. Give it a try tonight and discover the delicious simplicity yourself! Don’t forget to share your creations and comments below!
Mississippi Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker. Sprinkle with au jus and ranch seasoning.
- Add 6 pepperoncinis and 1/4 cup brine over chicken. Top with butter. Cover and cook on High for 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Add cream cheese to slow cooker. Cover and let soften while pasta cooks (10 minutes).
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente (9 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Remove chicken and shred. Chop cooked and fresh pepperoncinis. Return all to slow cooker and stir well.
- Add drained spaghetti, pasta water, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until creamy and combined.
- Top with remaining cheese. Cover and cook 5–10 minutes more until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Use onion soup mix if no au jus.
- Adjust pepperoncini and brine to control heat and tang.
- Short pasta or egg noodles work too.
- Reserve pasta water for a creamier sauce.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can reduce cooking time.
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