Say that 3 times fast…
Hello fellow foodies,
During the summer roasted veggies, from our garden, quickly became my favorite side dish. Took a lot of prep work but so delicious!
I wanted to do something similar in the crockpot this fall/winter. I would usually roast the veggies,broil the chicken, and cook the pasta but this dump and go recipe is much more convenient! Don’t let the pictures detour you this recipe is sooo delicious and makes great leftovers!
Ingredients:
- 8oz jar of pesto (or homemade)
- 1lb chicken frozen tenderloins or breasts
- 3 small zucchni, 1/2 inch slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper
- 8oz of mushrooms (personal preference) sliced
- 1 lb of whole wheat rotini
Note: During the summer I also add yellow squash and do 2-3 cups combined with zucchini. It is just harder to find in store this time of year.
Now onto the recipe!
This recipe is all about the layering! Start off by spraying the inside of your crockpot.
First lay your chicken out on the bottom of the crockpot and spread 4oz of pesto evenly across each piece.
Next add your onions and tomatoes. I like the chicken to soak up the flavor of both of these so I put them first.
After that I add in the zucchni. I always reccomend putting it in the middle since it holds so much water and you dont want it making the other veggies soggy.
I usually add the peppers next and the mushroom last!
Once all the veggies are in just cover it with a lid and cook on low for 7-8hrs or high 3-4hrs.
Note: I always try to cook this recipe on low! Chicken is less dry that way and the flavor is really good 🙂
Lastly, once the crockpot timer has 30min left start boiling water to cook the noodles. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water and toss them with the last 4oz of pesto
When the veggies are finished cut up the chicken into cubes and drain the juices from the crockpot (I splash a little on the noodles) You can mix all the veggies and noodles together in the pan or inside the crockpot.
Serve it up into bowls and devour this hearty dish! Much healthier alternative for all you pasta lovers like me! Family favorite and one of our favorite leftovers!
Happy eating,
Marks of Motherhood 