Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
After creating (and eating) 100+ Italian inspired recipes for my upcoming cookbook, I promised BL that we would take a pasta break for the month of January. A pledge to create more of his favorite foods, like taco, salads and stir-fry and take a break from our almost nightly pasta routine.
Ha. Um, no. In all sincerity, when I told him OK back in December, I honestly thought I could do it. But then temperatures crept into the single digits last week and all I wanted was a simple bowl of hearty pasta topped with a spicy tomato sauce.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this is it. Spicy penne with a few servings of vegetables that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Since it’s the second week of January, I’m betting that most of you are focused on eating healthy. While I don’t believe in making unrealistic resolutions, I completely understand the feeling of wanting to get back on track after an indulgent holiday season. Or maybe that’s just me. Considering my New Zealand holiday diet consisted of wine, cheese and more wine, I’m now craving simple and nourishing.
What I love most about this dinner option is that it’s both crave-worthy and filling. A single 350 calorie serving contains 10g of fiber and 12g of protein; two satiating nutrients that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Let’s chat about serving size. It’s the other piece to the “all foods fit” concept; a slice of bread is fine, a loaf is probably too much. This is true with all the foods you love (pasta included). In fact, the more satisfied you are with your meal, the less likely you are to overeat.
I know that’s true for me; when I savor my meal, not only do I enjoy it more but I often end up eating less than I planned on. This observation was my first “aha” moment into giving up calorie counting forever and getting into Mindful Eating. When I don’t obsess over the numbers, it’s easier to find a weight I’m happy with.
This meal is my ultimate win. It’s exactly what I crave on most days with enough protein, fiber and vegetables to keep both my hunger and appetite satisfied for hours. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
Spicy Penne, the BEST weeknight pasta! You’ve gotta try this vegetarian pasta. Spicy vegetable marinara over dreamfields pasta.
Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge
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(51 comments) leave a comment
Crockpot hawaiian bbq meatballs
chickpea tacos! they are super fast (which is important to me since i have a baby and not a lot of time :p)
chickpea tacos! they are super fast (which is important to me since i have a baby and not a lot of time :p)
Spaghetti comes to mind first. Thanks for the chance!
aka Brenda Haines
My go-to meal is a vegetarian taco casserole.
A simple yet yummy omelet!
A simple yet yummy omelet!
My go-to weeknight meal is a simple boneless chicken breast with vegetables. I wrap it all up in foil, throw in it the oven, and wait. 🙂
My go-to weeknight meal is a simple boneless chicken breast with vegetables. I wrap it all up in foil, throw in it the oven, and wait. 🙂
Mine is home made mac and cheese.