Running On Food: Cleaning Out The Pantry

This article is part of a new series on Nutrition for Runners.   Heather from the blog, Trials of Training, has offered her expertise in Nutrition to runners in the Lounge to pass along information on recipes, nutrition, and running/food related questions.  She has her BS in Nutrition from Penn State, she is currently working to be a Registered Dietician, and is a loves to help runners with their questions.  

Cleaning Out The Pantry

by Heather

My apartment lease is up next Sunday, I was out of town over the weekend, and I’m leaving for two days this week. All that being said, grocery shopping has been sparse!

There are a few things left in my pantry that can be used for meal-making, so it’s time to be resourceful.  What am I working with? Well, these are the staples……

-Penne Pasta 
-Diced tomatoes, Italian style (1 can) 
-Garbanzo beans (1 can) 
-random spices 
-1/2 onion

One of my roommates in college used to put garbanzo beans in her pasta all the time. Otherwise, I never would’ve thought of this combo! I’m not always a “bean”  fan, but this dish always tasted so good.  In an attempt to use up what I have, it’s time for me to finally do this one on my own!

This meal can be considered “vegetarian”, yet it has two sources of protein! It’s also very high-carb and low-fat. I did pick up a few other things at the store to add to the mix….

Pasta & Garbanzo Beans 
makes 4 servings!

4 cups Penne Pasta (whole-wheat) 
1 can garbanzo beans, drained 
1 can Diced tomatoes, undrained 
½ yellow (or purple!) onion, sliced 
4 cups Baby Spinach Leaves 
1 clove garlic, minced 
1 tsp olive oil 
Spices – basil, oregano, salt, pepper. Optional: mozzarella or parmesan cheese to top! You could also use Crushed Red Pepper for an extra kick!

Cook Pasta as directed. Combine beans, tomatoes, spinach, onion, and garlic in a large pan. Add ~1 tsp of Olive oil, salt & pepper (to taste). Heat until the spinach is cooked down, simmering for 5-10 minutes.  Add spices of choice and stir it up!  Combine the pasta and bean/spinach/tomato mixture, top with 2 tbsp cheese (mozzarella or parmesan) and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts per serving (with 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese): 
Calories: 390 
Fat: 3g (0 g saturated fat) 
Protein: 16g 
Carbohydrates: 85 

Comments

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