This recipe is quick easy and apart from heating up the kitchen when you’re cooking the pasta, is perfect for summer. Some ingredients remain the same whenever I make this dish, a few change depending on what’s in the pantry. Last time I used artichokes but sometimes it’s roasted red peppers. There are no real quantities to use so whatever you like or prefer makes the perfect dish. It uses ingredients that are good for you and not that expensive so it’s one of my favorite budget dishes.

1 box of whole wheat rotini

1/2 cup chopped black olives

1/2 can artichokes, chopped

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup chopped tomatoes

pepper

Balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

Cook the pasta and while it’s still slightly warm add the olives, artichokes, tomatoes and toss, add some pepper and the cheese. Finally add some balsamic vinegar and olive oil to taste. I usually serve these two items at the table along with some more cheese so people can add more if they want. For me the best way to serve this dish is at room temperature.

Leftovers…if there are any are great for the following day’s lunchbox.

Budget Smart Girl is taking a two week summer break starting next week. See you back here on August 8th.