Creamy Rotini with Zucchini & Cherry Tomatoes

This afternoon I was already in the mood for pasta when I stepped outside and got a whiff from my basil plant. And then, I wanted pasta with fresh basil, so that’s exactly what I whipped up. This dish is easy, fresh and delicious.

[Side note: This was my first time eating basil from my plant, yea! I haven’t killed it yet!]

Goat Cheese Rotini with Zucchini & Cherry Tomatoes 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Rotini or other pasta
• 1/2 c zucchini, diced
• 1/2 c cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 oz Chevrion goat cheese
• 1 TSP olive oil
• around 3 sprigs of fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• a few TBSPs of water or cooking wine for sautéing
• salt & pepper

Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile, heat cooking wine (or water) in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add zucchini, tomatoes, and basil, and cook for around 5 minutes until they start to soften. Season with salt and pepper.

Once pasta is done, drain and return back to pot. Add in zucchini mix, and drizzle olive oil on top. Add the cheese in in several chunks, and then mix well. Garnish with basil.

Nutrition stats: 350 calories, 11 g fat, 14 g protein, 50 g carbs

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I just found out that today was (technically still is for a little while) Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I want to take a second to recognize all of the military spouses out there. It can certainly be a tough job being a military spouse (and obviously a member of the armed forces, which goes without saying). I joke around with my Marine that I’m a member of the “silent ranks” as us spouses are sometimes referred to as, because when your husband or wife is in the military, you have a job as their partner to be supportive, strong, and flexible with this crazy lifestyle you are living. I think it’s the only way that you’ll be able to thrive and live life to its fullest as a military spouse. There are so many wives & hubbies out there who are holding down the fort, handling things on their own, and raising families without their spouses. I would say that I’m not sure how the mothers and expectant mothers I know seem to handle their situations so well, but I already know how they do it, because it’s the only answer I have for people when they wonder the same thing of me: they simply just keep living and trucking along as best they can, because what else can they do? Military spouses are strong for themselves, their partners, their families, and their country. Today is a day to recognize those people and show appreciation. BLESS OUR TROOPS!