Confidence in the Kitchen with crockpots

Crockpots: The Easiest Solution for Building Confidence in the Kitchen

If you’re someone who feels intimidated in the kitchen, I have the perfect solution—crockpots! These slow cookers are the ultimate confidence builders for anyone looking to create delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply don’t have the time to fuss over a stove, crockpots take the stress out of meal prep. They’re the ultimate “set it and forget it” tool, allowing you to throw ingredients together, go about your day, and return to a comforting, flavorful meal.

Here’s a crockpot recipe that’s perfect for cooks at any skill level—Chicken, Pasta, and Cheese Dump Dinner. This easy dish comes together in just a few minutes, and the crockpot does the rest of the work. Plus, it’s loaded with health benefits and comforting flavors that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the extra hassle.

Cheesy Crockpot Chicken and Pasta Dump Dinner

This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and gooey cheese, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal ingredients and almost no prep, it’s the perfect meal for busy days or when you need a little boost in kitchen confidence.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)

– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 cup water

– ½ teaspoon garlic powder

– ½ teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1.  Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.

2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

3. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water. Stir gently to combine.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

5.After 4 hours, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Add the pasta and shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Stir everything together and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Cover and cook on low for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.

7. Once cooked, give everything a good stir, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

 Nutritional Information (per serving):

– **Calories:** 350

– **Protein:** 25g

– **Carbohydrates:** 30g

– **Fat:** 15g

– **Fiber:** 2g

– **Sodium:** 680mg

Health Benefits and Flavorful Comfort

Pasta and cheese might sound indulgent, but when combined with lean chicken, this dish provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. By using a crockpot, the flavors are allowed to meld together slowly, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal that’s low on effort but high on flavor.

For those new to cooking, this recipe shows how you can build your confidence in the kitchen without needing a ton of fancy skills. The crockpot does most of the work, and the result is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that feels like you’ve been cooking for hours.

With recipes like this, you’ll find yourself more excited to step into the kitchen, and soon you’ll be exploring more delicious, simple, and healthy meals for your family!