Are you looking for easy and delicious slow cooker recipes that won't break the bank? Look no further! This post is packed with amazing slow cooker recipes using readily available ingredients from Aldi, proving that budget-friendly cooking can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Forget complicated recipes and expensive ingredients; these simple slow cooker meals are perfect for busy weeknights and effortless weekend cooking. Whether you're a seasoned slow cooker pro or just starting your journey into the world of homemade cooking, these recipes are for you.
Creamy Tomato & Spinach Chicken (Slow Cooker Recipe)
This recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a healthy meal, bursting with flavor, and utilizes affordable Aldi finds.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken breasts on top of the onions and garlic.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the chicken and tomatoes.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. If using, stir in the heavy cream.
- Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Use about 1/2 teaspoon.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Chicken: Add 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, without cream and cheese):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
This slow cooker recipe showcases how easy and delicious healthy meals can be, especially when using readily available ingredients from Aldi. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for a comforting and budget-friendly dinner. It's a testament to the power of homemade cooking and the versatility of the slow cooker! Remember to explore other Aldi finds to create your own unique and flavorful slow cooker recipes.