simple crockpot chicken + zucchini pasta + “cheesy” pesto

I’ve been meal planning and cooking for my parents for a little over three years. 

Yesterday I was chatting with the gal who trimmed my short bob about the importance of caring for our elders. Not only for their health, happiness and longevity—but when you can be a caregiver for a family member or loved one and really be present—you gain wisdom and memories you wouldn’t necessarily have had if you put them in the care of someone else. However, if you have the right fit that's also a wonderful option.

I’m lucky to have such wonderful parents. And as my dad says, “We’s a team!” 

I especially love preparing food for the 'rents and I always strive to accommodate their flavor preferences with ingredients that meet nutritional needs while keeping within their budget.

When I prep my meals for the week I always make sure I have my own personal favorite staples which include:

• Frozen chicken

• Lean ground beef

• Eggs

• Black beans

• Raw almonds

• Chickpeas

• Cottage cheese

• Greek yogurt

• Jack cheese

• Baby spinach

• Carrots

• Red onion

• Tomatos

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Apples

• Raisins

• Nutritional yeast

• Everything But The Bagel (EBTB)

• Taco seasoning

• Coconut aminos

• Tortillas

• Mineral water

• Electrolyes

What you’ll need for the recipe:

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• 3 medium-sized zucchini’s 

• Nutritional yeast

• Cottage cheese (optional for added protein)

• 1 avocado

• EBTB

• Pink Himalayan sea salt 

• Fresh basil (optional)

• Grape tomatoes (optional)

• Chickpea pasta or I use Amy's mac and cheese

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in crockpot on high with marinara (enough to coat) for 3 hours. Every 30 minutes use a fork to shred chicken.

2. Use a spiralizer to make zuchinni noodles. Set aside and refrigerate.

3. If you want to add pasta, follow directions on box and season with EBTB.

4. When chicken is ready, add nutritional yeast, cottage cheese (optional) and EBTB to zucchini, heat noodles in microwave, add mashed avocado and basil.

5. Plate up as desired. I generally start with pasta (if I use chickpea pasta I add marinara), then zucchini noodles, top with crockpot chicken, sliced tomato, avocado and basil.