Wednesday, November 19, 2025

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

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6 comments:

  1. Katie C.November 19, 2025 at 8:32 AM

    Don’t the zoodles get mushy cooking in the crockpot?

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    Replies
    1. Pioneer Woman at HeartNovember 20, 2025 at 6:39 AM

      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.

      Delete
  2. BetsyNovember 19, 2025 at 10:23 AM

    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

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    Replies
    1. Pioneer Woman at HeartNovember 20, 2025 at 6:41 AM

      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.

      Delete
  3. CarolNovember 19, 2025 at 10:47 AM

    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!

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    Replies
    1. Pioneer Woman at HeartNovember 20, 2025 at 6:42 AM

      Carol, I am so glad I found this recipe to try, because it required my spiralizer to use. We loved this recipe.

      Delete

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