One great way to start the new year is by eating healthier. Here are some easy recipes you can try, and the best part is that it doesn’t take a lot of time to make them!

One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti

Ingredients:
2 medium chicken breasts (cooked, shredded)
12 oz . whole wheat penne (cooked)
23 oz . jar Ragu® Thick and Hearty Traditional Sauce
2 cups spinach
6 oz . mozzarella cheese
5-6 basil leaves

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix the shredded, cooked chicken, cooked penne, pasta sauce, and spinach together. Pour into a casserole dish or bakeware.
Top with mozzarella (or also mix it in) and basil leaves (shredded or whole).
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

BEST Lemon Balsamic Lentil Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lentils
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp agave syrup
2 cups spinach, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped

Instructions:
Cook the lentils according to directions.
While the lentils are cooking, make the salad dressing by mixing the lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and agave together.
Chop the spinach, red pepper, and cucumber.
Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

GROUND BEEF TACOS WITH TOMATO-AVOCADO SALSA

Ingredients:
ground beef
olive oil
Taco Seasoning
water
tomatoes
cucumber
avocado (frozen avocado)
green onion
fresh cilantro (optional)
Green Tabasco Sauce, optional
fresh-squeezed lime juice
olive oil
Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat Tortillas

Instructions:
If you’re using frozen avocado, remove from the freezer at least 30 minutes before you start. Let avocado thaw on the counter in a covered bowl.
Heat oil in a heavy frying pan, add ground beef, and cook over medium-high heat until meat is nicely browned.
Add taco seasoning mix and water and simmer until liquid is evaporated and meat is well-seasoned.
Break the meat apart while it cooks.
While meat mixture simmers, chop cucumbers into very small pieces and dice the tomatoes. If you’re using fresh avocado, finely diced one large avocado.
Slice up green onions and finely chop the cilantro (if using.)
Mix diced avocado, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, Green Tabasco Sauce or other hot sauce, and lime juice to make the salsa
Warm tortillas in a hot pan or in microwave between two moist paper towels. (This takes barely a minute; don’t leave them in there too long.)
As soon as you take tortillas out of the pan or the microwave, fold them in half.
Open tortillas, cover one half with spicy ground beef, then spoon a generous amount of salsa mixture over the beef, fold tortillas over and eat!

These were just a few of the many healthy meals out there. Hopefully, this will inspire you to eat healthier this year and maybe create your own recipes.