Chicken and Quinoa Noodle Soup

I finally got the chance to break into my new Crock Pot! 

First recipe attempt: Chicken and Quinoa Noodle Soup packed with veggies! 

For this batch I used:

-1 package of all natural white meat chicken breast tenders

-2 cartons of organic chicken broth 

-5 celery stalks

-4 large carrots

-2 bell boppers (one red, one green)

-1 box quinoa pasta 

- chopped cilantro

- diced green chills

-salt and pepper to taste 

First step was prepping and chopping all the veggies!

Then added in some chopped cilantro and diced green chilis (about half a can):

I chose to use chicken breast tenders because they are easy to cut up into nice sized pieces:

Do not fill the crock pot all the way with goodies before adding whatever liquid you are using! 

So, once I had everything prepared I added in the organic chicken broth:

Since one carton wasn't enough to get a good broth going I decided to add my second one, then it was crock time!

All Crock Pots are probably different, but I set mine on high for the entire cook time.

I didn't add the noodles in to the pot till about half way through the cooking time because I didn't want them to get way over done:

You can always add more broth at this time as well, or along the way if it seems to be getting absorbed by all the goods.

The soup cooked for about 4 - 5 hours, and it was so nice to be able to set it and forget it!

This came out great!

Filling and packed with veggies!

Also stays great in the fridge for the week, or frozen to keep for longer! 

This recipe can totally be switched up and tweaked anyway you'd like! Different veggies, you could do a beef stew version, regular noodles, or none at all! Let me know how you make yours!

Winner Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Here's a healthy Italian style chicken dinner!

My portions will make a hearty dinner for two :)

Start by peeling up four small squash:

Once that's done start heating up a skillet with olive oil and red chili flakes:

After it has gotten nice and hot, add the peeled squash "pasta" and veggie of your choice (mine was broccoli!):

While those start cooking up I get out two skinless chicken breasts:

I don't know why that's upside down? Hehe

Anyway, I throw them into a separate skillet with olive oil, some Mrs. Dash and fresh ground pepper:

I like when the chicken gets I little brown on the outside! Cooking each side as needed:

When they are getting close to done add a little sauce of your choice (mine was plain diced tomatoes in garlic and olive oil) to your "pasta":

And Winner Winner!

This meal was filling, delicious, and fiancé approved! I grew up with Italian food, so it has always been my favorite so I am glad to be able to make some healthier options :)

What about you?!