Oddly enough, one of my biggest challenges in working from home is that I forget to eat. I can’t even believe that’s true (me, the human vacuum), but hours will go by and I’m so involved in what I’m doing, that I look up, and it’s 2:30pm. Beyond becoming very good at ignoring my grumbling stomach, I’m also finding that I don’t want to spend a ton of time cooking up anything elaborate, despite having the kitchen literally across the hall from me. I need quick, easy, nutritious. And if I do cook, I better have leftovers the next day!
Yesterday at around 1:30, the hunger pains were strong enough that I gave in and dragged myself away from the desk. A quick rummage through the fridge, and I threw together a warm pasta salad that had me re-thinking the not wanting to cook for lunch mentality. In the time it takes you to boil the water, you’ll be able to chop up the veggies, and while the pasta cooks, you can check in on emails and Twitter.
Mix it all together. And you’re done. Lunch in about 15 minutes. And, I have leftovers!
Tricolore Pasta
2-3 big servings
I named this very simple recipe ‘Tricolore” not after the typical tri-colored noodles, but the pretty mix of vegetables. You can substitute in whatever leafy greens or tomatoes you want.
1 10-oz box conchiglie (shell) pasta (I used this whole grain variety. Most boxed pastas are 1 lb, so use a little less if that’s the case for you!)
1/2 bunch lacinto kale, rinsed and chopped crosswise into thin ribbons
1/2 pint sungold (yellow) cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved
1 red bell pepper, medium diced
2 oz goat cheese
juice of 1 lemon
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
–kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water comes to a boil, prep all the veggies and put them in a large bowl. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Once the pasta is ready, carefully ladle a half a cup or so of the pasta water into another little bowl. Quickly drain the pasta in a colander, but do not shake it. You want to retain some of the pasta water that’s gathered in the shells. Pour the hot pasta over the veggies. Crumble in the goat cheese, and pour in the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. The heat of the pasta will melt the goat cheese and give you a loose sauce. If you want the sauce thinner, add some of the residual pasta water. Serve warm and enjoy!
That looks so good and I am loving anything with kale these days. Im working from home today and am finding it hard to tear away from lunch, so I share your same thoughts!
I’ve been doing the same (or rather, not doing it)! I completely forget to eat, breakfast and lunch! But then you always seem to make me hungry at some stage in the day with your yummy posts/tweets. Thanks for reminding me to eat! It’s 1:15pm here and I haven’t had breakfast yet!
This looks so good… It might be dinner tonight.
I think it’s inspiring that you’re so busy with your new work situation that you’re forgetting to eat!! But keep yourself well; we won’t to get to take part in any of your blog-ness if you’re ill!
Ohh, this looks amazing! I have the same problem, I work for so long and don’t want to give up any time to cook! But I am always so much more productive and inspired when I do eat, so maybe I’ll make this tomorrow! :) Thanks!
PIECE OF CAKE. PEACE OF MIND.
This looks wonderful! I love goat cheese and veg together, adding the pasta is icing on the cake! Love your blog.
I’ll have you know that I’m eating the most boring salad right now. What I would give for this pasta *sigh*
Did you take that photo? Impressive!
I hardly ever have time to eat either, but that has more to do w/ being a teacher (I hardly forget though!)…
-Tara
http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
It’s weird I do the same thing! For dinner I do a lot of crockpot things because it’s quick and easy and I don’t have to think about it.
Looks delicious! Now I know what to make for dinner :-)
http://theas-vintage.blogspot.com
I have to say, I have the opposite problem when I work from home…I want to eat constantly!!! But good for you:) and that recipe looks sooo good! Definitely will try it out this weekend!
xoxo
Tina
yum yum yum this sounds like my favorite way to eat pasta – peppers + goat cheese! I need to make this asap :)
When working from home I usually end up drinking waaaay to much coffee and forgetting to eat. I love having leftovers in the fridge!
<3 Kate
http://www.theforgetfulwife.com
YUM. Looks amazing!!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while but have to finally jump in to comment! Looks awesome, so fresh & easy. I’ve been stuck in a healthy food rut but will definitely try this to switch things up :)
SO easy and looks delicious!
Definitely have to try this. I’m all about quick and easy these days!
This always happens to me when I work from home, I don’t know why I remember to eat when I’m in an office! I don’t walk around much when I’m home either, I’m trying to work on that one as well. It’s hard you get stuck in the zone!
This looks delicious! I’ll have to give this a try!
I am so making this next week.
This looks delicious! It sounds so refreshing for a spring time lunch!
I love kale and pasta. But your photos make me want it RIGHT NOW. Beautiful!