Easy Recipes For Your Busy Work Week

Here at iTouch Wearables, we are not just smartwatch fanatics and techies. We are ordinary people living familiar lives merely trying to figure out and find the perfect balance between our work lives, active lives, and social lives. Just like you, we understand the hardships that come with working a nine - to - (hopefully in most cases) five job and trying to be happy and healthy at the same time. Despite the occasional glass of wine and Netflix binge session (guilty), we genuinely try our best in creating healthy meals for not only us  but for our families. To manage our crazy work weeks and our stomaches, we opt in creating and finding easy to make recipes that take 30 minutes or less! Here are some of our favorite recipes to help you and your busy work week (vegans included!): 

Blackberry and Basil Pizza

We promise you - it isn't as weird as it sounds! The blackberries provide the pizza with a delicious sweetness that balances the savoriness of the meal. With sweet Italian sausage and fresh basil, it makes for a fancy yet easy meal that everyone can enjoy! 

Serves 8 | From Chelsea's Messy Kitchen

Gather Together:

• 1 Package of Pillsbury’s Best Refrigerated Classic Crust Pizza Dough or Other Pizza Dough
• 4 Ounces of Italian Sausage
• 2 Teaspoons of Garlic - Minced
• 3/4 Cup of Organic Tomato Sauce
• 1 Heaping Cup of Blackberries - (15-20 Large Blackberries)
• 6 Ounces of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
• 1-2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 1/2 Cup of Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 Cup of Fresh Basil Leaves
• Salt & Pepper - To Taste

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the oven rack in low position. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, add the sausage, and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink. Add in the garlic and stir for 30 seconds to 1 more minute or until fragrant. Using slotted spoon, transfer to small bowl.
2. Unroll the dough with the oven-safe parchment paper onto an ungreased large cookie sheet (dough bakes on paper). Spread the tomato sauce evenly over dough avoiding the "crust." Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1/4th inch thick pieces and cut those pieces in thirds. Place these pieces all over the pizza.
3. Fill in any empty spaces with the blackberries and cooked sausage mixture. Drizzle olive oil all over the top of the pizza and then generously sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Bake for 16 to 21 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Meanwhile, ribbon the basil. Let pizza stand for 3-4 minutes and then top with basil. Cut and enjoy immediately.

Nutritional Facts:

• Calories : 258
• Total Fat : 14.6 grams
• Cholesterol : 32.4 milligrams
• Sodium : 550.5 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates : 18.9 grams
• Fiber : 2.1 grams
• Sugar : 2.2 grams
• Protein : 12.1 grams

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Sausage & Broccoli

Serves 4 | From Ambitious Kitchen

This pasta dish is healthy and filling, making it a great meal for after a busy work day or a crazy workout. With the blend of chicken sausage, peppers, broccoli, onion, and basil, it makes the perfect dish for anyone! 

Gather Together: 

• 10 Ounces of Uncooked Whole Wheat Pasta - Such as a Rigatoni or Ziti)
• 3 Cups of Broccoli Florets - Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil
• 4 Precooked Chicken Sausages - Sliced 
• 1 Red Bell Pepper - Julienned Into Small Slices
• 1 Small White Onion - Chopped 
• 1/3 Cup of Grated Parmesan
• 3/4 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Parsley 

Directions: 

1. Add pasta to a large pot with heavily salted water and cook until al dente, as directed on the package. Once the pasta has cooked, drain, then transfer the pasta back into pot.
2. While pasta is cooking, add the olive oil, sliced chicken sausages, broccoli, red pepper and onion to a large skillet and sauté for 8-10 minutes or until chicken sausages are slightly golden and veggies are al dente.
3. Add the cooked veggie and chicken sausage mixture to the pasta and stir. Next add in parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour into bowls and serve immediately.
4. Serve with extra parmesan on top and a sprinkle of parsley.

Nutritional Facts - 1 Serving

 Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad

This salad can be served family-style and makes an excellent side dish or meal with the combination of apples, hazelnuts, and Pecorino cheese.

Serves 4 | From Country Living Magazine

Gather Together:

• 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 3 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons of Honey
• 1 Pound of Brussels sprouts - Trimmed and Thinly Sliced
• 1 Large Gala Apple - Cut Into Matchsticks
• 1 Small Shallot - Chopped
• 1/4 Cup of Toasted Hazelnuts - Chopped
• 1 Ounce of Pecorino cheese - Shaved

Directions: 

1. Whisk together oil, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add Brussels sprouts, apple, shallot, and hazelnuts; toss to combine. Fold in Pecorino and enjoy!

Nutritional Facts: 

• Calories - 234
• Total Fat - 16.8 grams
• Cholesterol - 7 milligrams
• Sodium - 230 milligrams
• Carbohydrates - 17.9 grams
• Fiber - 5.3 grams
• Sugars - 8.6 grams
• Protein - 7.6 grams

Grilled Asparagus and Shiitake Tacos

What better way to end the busy work day than by eating some amazing tacos! Rich and creamy guacamole highlight the asparagus and mushrooms to make an excellent vegan dish satisfying for anyone! 

Serves 4 - From Country Living Magazine

Gather Together: