Healthy Recipe of the Day!

So many people I speak with tell me that they just don't have time to cook anymore.  Lifestyles become busier and busier and the last thing we feel like doing is preparing a meal at the end of a busy day.  So, what to do?  Well, how about preparing easy meals that don't require a great deal of prep time.  Now, I'm no Rachael Ray, however, I manage to cook simple and healthy meals several times a week.  And, it's more cost efficient than dining out.  Let's begin!

Here's a simple, tasty and healthy dish that is one of my favorites. 

Chicken ala Vege con Pasta!

Two large boneless chicken breasts trimmed and cleaned properly

Two zucchinis chopped in half then quartered

One red bell pepper chopped

One half onion chopped

One can of artichokes

Two cloves of garlic chopped

One box of penne wheat pasta

Season chicken breasts with sea salt and fresh ground pepper and place in a covered pan and cook in a 350 deg preheated oven for 20 minutes.  Some people may wish to cook longer.  Boil water and cook pasta until al dente.  When chicken is done, take out of pan and place on a cutting board.  Allow to cool and then chop into bite sized pieces.

Heat a large pan over medium heat, add two tablespoons EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and saute onions until yellow/translucent.  Add chopped garlic and continue to saute for a minute or two.  Add zucchini and red bell pepper and continue to saute for a 5-6 minutes or until cooked al dente.  Add chicken and artichokes and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Season with a pinch of sea salt, fresh ground pepper, or to kick it up a bit, add some crushed red pepper.

Toss with pasta, drizzle a small amount of EVOO over it and serve with fresh Romano or Parmesan cheese.   Serves 3-4.  Enjoy!