Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 whole chicken breast (about 1.5-2 pounds)
- 1 pound of pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1 jar of creamy pesto sauce (about 8-10 ounces)
- 1 cup of heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup of chicken broth or stock
- 1/2 cup of freshly chopped basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for texture and flavor
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 4-6 hours on low heat in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except pasta and adjust to low heat setting.
- Cover and let the chicken cook for about 4-5 hours or until fully cooked and tender.
- When the chicken is almost done, boil the pasta according to package instructions.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the excess water and mix it with the creamy pesto chicken mixture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and toasted pine nuts or walnuts (if using).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approx. 500-600 (depending on additional toppings)
Fat: Approx. 25-35g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g
Protein: Approx. 30-40g
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich pesto sauce with a hint of basil flavor.
- Slow-cooked chicken is tender and flavorful.
- The dish is heartwarming and perfect for colder weather or family gatherings.
User Comments:
- "Love the rich pesto flavor in this dish! The slow cooker does wonders in making the chicken super tender." - John Doe, New York
- "This dish is a family favorite! The combination of creamy pesto and pasta is irresistible." - Jane Smith, California
- "The addition of toasted pine nuts gives a nice crunch to this dish. Highly recommended!" - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure that all ingredients are fresh, especially the pesto sauce and basil leaves.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- If you want a richer dish, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, it may alter the overall texture slightly.
