Amazing Pasta on a Budget

How many of us are on a budget right now? When it comes to cooking gourmet, you may feel like you just can't afford it, but I am here to tell you that that is not necessarily true. While I was in college, I came up with one of my all-time favorite meals. I had an assortment of vegetables that didn't necessarily go together, but I figured I would put them in a pasta and see how it went.

What resulted was a meal that has been requested by family and friends over and over. And...it's made with vegetables that are usually in my fridge and pantry... so it is inexpensive yet delicious. Also, I have made this as one dish or to serve the entire family. It is an incredibly versatile meal since you can interchange all the ingredients. I hope you enjoy it and share with someone special.

Basic Ingredients that should always be used in this dish:

*Pasta  (It could be anything from spaghetti to ziti)
*Olive Oil
*Garlic cloves, chopped
*Shallots, thinly sliced (1 per person)
*Sea Salt
*Fresh Basil (or dried Italian Seasoning)

Optional Ingredients I used in this dish:
*Red Bell Peppers, cut into strips
*Yellow Squash, cut into whatever size pieces you prefer
*Sundried tomatoes (I prefer NOT in oil)
*Freshly grated or crumbled cheese (Mahon is my favorite, but Feta or Gorgonzola are also great)

Other Optional Ingredients that would compliment the dish nicely :

Asparagus            Prosciutto          Sweet Peas        Pancetta

            Corn              Green beans               Pine Nuts

Toasted Walnuts            Zucchini

 Be sure to have all the vegetables chopped up before you start since the vegetables will cook quickly.

 

 

Put 2 T olive oil in a skillet and add the shallots and fresh chopped garlic. Cook until shallots are tender.

Once the shallots begin to soften, add the red bell peppers as they will take the longest to cook.  

Next add the yellow squash, stir together and continue to saute on low-medium heat

If you are using dry spices, add them here. If you are using fresh spices, wait until it is plated. I like a LOT of spices, as you can see, so feel free to indulge or hold back depending on your preference.

 

Lastly, add the sundried tomatoes and continue cooking until the vegetables are to your liking.

The pasta is served!

• Spoon the vegetables over the pasta
• Lastly, add the crumbled or freshly grated cheese on top , as well as any fresh herbs you are using

SUGGESTIONS

1. Fresh herbs truly to make the flavor intense and rich, there is nothing better. 
2. Use a green vegetable if you have it in your fridge (i.e. asparagus, peas, zucchini). It makes the colors look really pretty, which is clearly the most important part)
3. You can use as many vegetables as you like
4. There are no specific amounts because this depends on how many people are eating, and what vegetables you enjoy. 
5. Yellow Squash is completely underrated. When cooked, it is incredibly sweet and flavorful, and I now add it in so many dishes. USE it. 

Until we eat again!

Lindsay