Creamy Pasta and Chickpeas

Ingredients

* 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red pepper, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
* 8 ounces fiber-enriched penne pasta (such as Barilla Plus)
* 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1 package (4.4 ounces) light, spreadable herb cheese (such as Boursin)
* Pinch nutmeg

Directions

1. Generously coat a medium-size nonstick saucepan with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, red pepper and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to pot. Cook, stirring, for 6 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

2. Cook penne in boiling salted water for 12 minutes. Drain; reserving 1 cup pasta water.

3. Return pasta to pot. Over medium heat, stir in asparagus mixture, remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper, chickpeas, cheese and nutmeg, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin sauce. Serve immediately.

Pinto Beans with Kielbasa

Ingredients:

1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 pounds kielbasa, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 can Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can ( 8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Saute the onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until heated through.

Spinach Salad with Shrimp and Feta

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 shallot, finely chopped
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey
* Salt and pepper
* 8 ounces spinach
* 1/2 cup feta cheese

For a change
Chill the shrimp and serve the salad cold.
Directions:

1.

In a medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until opaque, 2 to 3 minutes.
2.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the shallot, vinegar, mustard and honey; season with salt and pepper. Pour in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly until thick. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp to the dressing and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3.

Arrange the spinach on a platter or individual plates. Place the warm shrimp on top and drizzle with any remaining dressing. Scatter the feta on top.