Pasta and stuff!

It is a well known fact that pasta+stuff is an easy take- it- for- lunch, make- it- quick- for- dinner meal. However, for the vegetarians among us, pasta+sauce, pasta+veggies, etc., are not full of brain-stimulating protein (the very same protein that I hope is secretly storing away the identity of Rex Lugwell and Olivia Hill). What to do??

Add chickpeas! (Yes, yes, I'm a fanatic.)

Nothing too fancy, but since I did spend some time in the kitchen, near the stove, not making an omelet, so I thought I'd share.

Boil water! If you are lucky, maybe you have a steamer that fits on top of a pot. If this is true, you can cook your pasta and steam spinach (or asparagus, or zucchini....the list continues). Then, once the pasta and steaming are complete, dumb the water, drain the pasta and veggies, and pour them back into the pot (a key to quick dinners is minimal cleanup).

Then, add whatever you have on hand! Canned, diced tomatoes, fresh basil and other spices make a nice treat, and if you are a cheese lovin' person, add some of that as well. Let the flavors meld together a bit, let the cheese melt, and then your lunch-on-the-go is ready for the next day! Hurrah!