Making Tuesday Tasty-Slow Cooker Chicken And Pasta Soup

I think slow cooker meals are fabulous on time and the fact that they are one dish items. I don't necessarily like everything braised together but, they can be very delicious and healthy if put together right. Don't be afraid to season your food with natural seasonings!  Also, try to keep the sodium levels down by not adding dressing, dip, or high sodium soups to your slow cooker food.  Here's a slow cooker meal that's right up my alley! Enjoy

Ingredients

• 4 carrots, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 long strips lemon zest
• 4 sprigs fresh dill, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta, such as pastina
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 bunch fresh spinach, stemmed
• Freshly ground pepper
• 4 ounces feta cheese
• Lemon wedges and crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Directions

Combine the carrots, lemon zest, dill sprigs, olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. Season the chicken with salt and add to the cooker. Add the broth and 4 cups water, cover and cook on low, about 8 hours.

About 20 minutes before serving, add the pasta to the slow cooker, cover and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir the chopped dill, peas and spinach into the soup and cover until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Stir to break up the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and crumble the feta on top. Serve with lemon and bread, if desired.

*recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com*