Pins & Pails

Deep Covered Baker

I rarely plug specific items on my blog, but I had a Pampered Chef party a couple of years ago and had to put out a post on this one item of theirs.  It's called the Deep Covered Baker.  It's a stoneware piece - again, not usually my favorite item because they are heavy and difficult to store, but this one item just totally rocks!

I can use it on the grill, in the oven, and even in the microwave.  I have made so many one pot meals in it and the family loves them!  Here's what I made tonight:

One Pot Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups penne pasta or any bite-sized shape pasta, uncooked

1 1/2 cups broccoli (optional)

1 cup mushrooms (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

Add chicken to your dutch oven or deep covered baker.  Drizzle olive oil, salt and pepper over it and toss.  Cook in the microwave for 3-5 minutes.  Check and toss again.  Cover longer if necessary.  Add chicken broth and pasta.  Cook for 5 minutes on high in microwave.  Check, stir and cook at least 5 more minutes or until pasta is al dente.  Add veggies and cook for 3 more minutes.  Stir and add cream, basil, parmesan, and mozzarella.  Cook for 2 minutes and serve!

Options

Add cajun seasoning if you like a little spice or peas are a great veggie with this dish if you don't like broccoli.  Another fun twist is to add some buffalo sauce if you like that sort of thing.

Using the Deep Covered Baker will make your life so much easier when cooking for your family!  You don't need one to do this recipe.  Any casserole dish will work, but if you do a lot of one pot meals and don't want to heat up your kitchen by cooking on the stove all night this piece is one to add to your inventory.