15-Minute Penne Pasta and Peppers with Chicken-Chorizo Sausage
Happy New Year! 2026 brings new goals and resolutions, as well as numerous new products from food companies. As we focus more on our health and well-being, gut health remains top-of-mind for most Americans.
According to a recent survey by Danone, 84% of Americans are concerned about their gut health. Conditions such as IBS, constipation, diverticulosis, and Crohn’s disease impact millions of people worldwide.
In addition to chronic conditions involving the gastrointestinal system, the gut microbiome can impact our overall health. From our immune system to appetite and metabolism, it’s important to keep those bacteria happy through a healthy diet.
F is for Fiber
Including more fiber in your diet remains one of the best ways to regulate your appetite and bowel function. Fiber digests more slowly and helps keep you feeling fuller longer. Studies show it also helps regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A high-fiber diet is also beneficial to brain health. Known as the “gut-brain axis”, our gut bacteria play an important role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Despite the low-carb craze, fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, and whole grains are your best choices for fiber, in addition to vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that fight disease. It’s nearly impossible to get enough fiber in your diet if you’re cutting grains, beans, or fruit from your diet.
Women need roughly 25 to 28 grams of dietary fiber per day, while men should aim for 31 to 34 grams daily. How Much Fiber Per Day? Grams, Sources, Benefits, and More
New Year, New Pasta
One of the perks of being a dietitian is receiving samples of new products. Dietitians learn about new products at trade shows, conferences, or through social media. I’ll admit- some of the products may have great health properties, but taste like sawdust.
Recently, I received a sample of Carbe Diem penne, and this may be my new go-to for noodle night. Thank you, Carbe Diem, for the free sample of penne!
Carbe diem provides 24 grams of dietary fiber per serving. That’s 84% of the Daily Value! The ingredients are simple: Modified wheat starch, durum wheat, and vital wheat gluten.
The protein content of this pasta is also a bit higher than traditional pasta. One 2 oz. Serving offers 8 grams of protein, making it more filling than the regular, enriched variety.
With any type of pasta, texture is key. If the noodles don’t hold up or taste rubbery, it’s a no-go for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture and taste of Carbe Diem.
Finally, I know that thyme is so important these days. I don’t want to be near a hot stove all night and love quick, delicious meals. Below is a simple recipe using this new noodle:
Carbe Diem Penne Pasta with Peppers and Chorizo Style Sausage
Ingredients:
6 oz. (1/2 box) of Carbe Diem Penne
1 Tbsp. canola or avocado oil
1 onion, diced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 chicken chorizo-style sausage, cut into ½ inch pieces
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Directions:
1. Boil the penne according to the directions (13 to 15 minutes)
2. While the penne boils, heat a large skillet to medium heat.
3. Heat the canola oil, then sautee the onions, bell peppers and garlic together. Add the sausage with the vegetable mixture.
4. Drain the pasta once fully cooked and place in a serving dish.
5. Add the vegetables and sausage to the pasta
6. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and vegetables and toss to coat.
7. Serve with shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese.
Makes 4 servings. Nutrition facts per serving: 205 calories, 8,1 grams fat, .8 grams saturated fat, 12 grams protein, 43 grams carbohydrate, 25 grams fiber, 14 mg cholesterol, 209 mg sodium
Check out Carbe Diem pasta for the New Year. There’s a code for 15% off your first order.
The pastabilities are endless!
#gifted #freesample #carbediemfoods #carbdiem #carbediempasta #pastaislife