Whipping up a quick dinner doesn't have to entail a trip to your local drive-through. The secret to this 30-minute meal is timing. By cooking the pasta and the salmon simultaneously you can have a healthful dinner in half the time. Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the fish may reduce inflammation, something research has linked with cancer risk. The fettuccine, featuring sautéed spinach, is a good source of fiber, folate and a wide range of carotenoids. This recipe is a simple way to serve up a lot of healthful foods in a little time.

Ingredients:

3-4 quarts water
8 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (frozen may be substituted)
1/2 lb. spinach fettuccine, cooked per package directions, drained
1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
12 oz. fillet fresh salmon (preferably wild), cut into strips
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 tsp. paprika
2 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

(As always, for the healthiest recipes use organic items as much as possible - including organic free range or wild caught type meats)

Directions:

1. Boil water in large saucepan. Add beans, if using fresh. Cook about 4 minutes or until tender crisp. Remove with slotted spoon. Set aside. Cook pasta in boiling water per package directions and drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 1/2 Tbsp. oil in large skillet over medium heat. Remove skin from salmon if desired. Season salmon with salt, pepper and paprika. Sear salmon strips for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Carefully turn over and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
   Heat remaining oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes not letting garlic brown. Add green beans and sauté an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta, salmon, chives, parsley, and lemon juice to skillet.
5. Toss thoroughly, but gently, to combine. Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 390 calories, 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 44 g carbohydrate, 27 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 65 mg sodium.