Quinoa Pasta with Veggies and Chicken Meatballs (21 Day Fix Approved)

Lately, I've had a lot of requests for 21 Day Fix approved meals. I did some research on what that even is and then ordered a set of containers so I could work on some meals for you guys!

Here is my first one and it is super delicious. 

Note: If you're out of yellow containers for the day, then just bake off a spaghetti squash in place of the quinoa pasta.

Quinoa Pasta with Veggies & Chicken Meatballs
Source: JennaBlogs.com


1 box quinoa pasta (any shape)
1 jar veggie marinara, no sugar added

2 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped

2lbs of lean ground chicken
1 yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch of parsley, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper



Sauté minced onion and garlic in EVOO until caramelized. Combine ground chicken with minced yellow onion, garlic, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix well. Use a small ice cream scooper to make little meatballs. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 until done, about 15 minutes. Check with a meat thermometer to make sure they're properly cooked.

Up the oven temperature to 425. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. Spread veggies in an even layer and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and flavorful.

Cook quinoa pasta as directed. Heat marinara in a sauce pan.

To serve, use top a portion of pasta with a portion of veggies, add marinara and meatballs.

If following the 21 day fix use 1 yellow (pasta), 1 green (veggies), 1 red (meatballs) plus another 1/2 a green for marinara. If you're out of yellow, bake off a spaghetti squash and use 1/2 a green and forgo the yellow.

Refreshing Bean Salad

My great-grandmother used to make an amazing bean salad. It was vinegar based and just SO GOOD. I was inspired by that to make something a bit lighter and fresher that would work as an awesome appetizer (especially when paired with my garlic hummus and sea salt pita chips, which I'll link below). 

Go try it!

Refreshing Bean Salad
Source: JennaBlogs.com
Yield: About 4-5 cups of bean salad

2 cans (14oz) kidney beans, rinsed
2 cans (14oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup minced red onion
4 cloves fresh minced garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
5 Tablespoons EVOO
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine beans, parsley, onion and dill. Separately, whisk together lemon juice, EVOO, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over bean mixture and combine well. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Serve cold.

This goes great when served with my Garlic Hummus and Sea Salt Pita Chips.

Big Miracles Have Little Beginnings

For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20

As a mom of two young boys, I feel that one of the best messages I can instill in them is this - Faith can move mountains and nothing is impossible with God. 

Having faith against all odds is often a moral that we, as parents, want to instill in our kids, and something we try to explain to them through stories and books. Today, I am thrilled to tell you about a brand new family friendly movie, hitting theaters on April 24, called the Little Boy movie that will give them a visual on how faith really can move mountains.

First, check out the trailer!

"Do you believe you can do this?" seven year old Pepper's dad asks as they play pirates in the living room. "Yes! I believe I can do this!" he replies.

And that is the central theme of this inspiring and uplifting story - believing that you can do the impossible, when God is on your side. Set in the 1940's, Pepper's dad is soon summoned to war, and Pepper believes that his faith can indeed move mountains, and even bring his beloved father safely home.

Faith is the central inspiration in this new movie, inspiring Pepper and pushing him forward in his quest. What inspires you? 

Chris and I are so excited to take our kids to see this uplifting and family friendly movie, and show them an example of a little boy just like them, who had faith that could really move mountains (PS - if you want to see some other moving mountains, be sure to check out Little Boy's awesome Instagram page).

If you're like me, and can't wait to purchase your tickets, then head over to Fandango to find a theatre near you! You can find out more about the Little Boy movie and the cast of the film by visiting their official page, here.

Happy Easter!

My poor blog has been a bit neglected as of late, but I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a (belated) Happy Easter!

I will be back soon with that frosting recipe I promised as well as to finish up my posts about our trip to Mexico. I also have a new slew of travel questions for our next trip (which will be in the summer of 2016 at the earliest). Any guesses on where we might be headed?


Luke 24:6-7
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’