Skip to main content

Using a Spiralizer and Garden Basil Pesto

 


I tried another new crockpot recipe, and we loved it.   The only thing I discovered, is my crockpot "low" setting is pretty hot, and I can lower the cook time on this, and it lacks "color" due to the homemade basil pesto.  We think adding some red bell pepper next time would be nice.  

Also, it did not make a lot.  It's about a 3-4 serving dish, but it ended up a 3 serving for us, ha ha.  I would double this for leftovers.

What is it?

Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Basil Pesto

Where is the recipe from?

                         

I prefer to cook my raw chicken separately, and not with other vegetables, when it comes to crockpot cooking.  It's just me.  I cooked the chicken the day before (in the crockpot), shredded it and cooled it (recipe called for chicken breast sliced).

I simply added the chicken at the end of cooking, as well as grated parmesan cheese, because I froze our homemade basil pesto without the cheese this last time.

We thought it was so filling too, and wow, so healthy.

I bought a new hand crank spiralizer about a year ago, and I (gulp) finally used it.  Wow, it is so much easier than the little gizmo I used to use.

Advice:  Grow an herb garden.  Even if you have to grow it in pots.  You will have so many options for your meals, medicinal options, and you will have so much fun in the process.  I'm considering teaching classes for herb gardening, but the actual classes to be "certified" in any way, per say, are expensive.

Using a Spiralizer and Garden Basil Pesto ©  November 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Labels:

Comments

Katie C. said…
Don’t the zoodles get mushy cooking in the crockpot?
November 19, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Betsy said…
That sure sounds good. I have a little hand held spiralizer and it's a real pain to use. So I don't use it much at all. In fact, I don't remember the last time. Ha!
Blessings,
Betsy
November 19, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Carol said…
My mother in law had one of those spiralizers, but I don't think she ever used it. I bet it is still in her kitchen and I know her husband does not use it. I might check it out. I love my crockpot meals!
November 19, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Katie C, the zoodles kept their shape, but I feel my "low" setting was even too hot for the length of time to cook. I would reduce cook time for this recipe, but we loved it.
November 20, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Betsy, I had a hand held one too, and like you, it was a pain to use. All that twisting. The one I have now is super easy and very quick. Easy to clean too. I did notice that it leaves a small bit of zucchini after I spiralize a piece, but you can simply slice it up, or like me, I treated my chickens with the tiny bit that did was left.
November 20, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Carol, I am so glad I found this recipe to try, because it required my spiralizer to use. We loved this recipe.
November 20, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Question

  I have asked this before, but I know I follow a few writers who have written (and published) novels.  What is the best free or best least expensive (simple like Word) writing software to use that is not Google Docs? Thanks! I'll be back with an update soon I hope.  But I do appreciate your help, because I cannot find the information some of you suggested.
7 comments
Click here to read the entire story »

Horsetail Salve ~ A "first" this Year

We purchased some horsetail salve to try last year.  It is said to help with severely dry, cracked skin.  My husband was the first to try it, with very, very dry and cracked hands from work. He loves it!  He joked I could not have it back.   I started the infused, horsetail oil the last part of March. Something I learned:   horsetail is also called shavegrass. I infused horsetail in oil, and strained it.  I then made horsetail salve.  I remembered to label my jar with what oil(s) I used, so I can journal this all in my "Herbal Remedies" journal.  I often forget to write the oil used. Now, the one we bought, has more in it than I put in ours, as far as ingredients (the purchased salve had lanolin, and aloe).  We'll see if ours works just as good.  I added the sage essential oil, and vitamin E oil. A "first" time experience for us this year.    I bought the larger tins at a seed store in an Amish area last year.  They a...
6 comments
Click here to read the entire story »

Chit Chat

  The pickings are slim right now, but we'll take anything we are blessed with.  I made a salad and cleaned the beans.  The rain will give us more for a meal in a day or so.  The green beans are every so slowly coming on this season. I made a batch of homemade granola, and instead of my homemade vanilla extract, I used my homemade Christmas Spice Extract.  It smelled so good in the oven, and while cooling.   I picked some purslane, and am doing an experiment with it this time.  Update soon.   Chit Chat ©  August 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
14 comments
Click here to read the entire story »