In a popularity contest, pasta doesn’t generally need any help. But more than being chewy and delicious, this fan-favorite food is also a go-to pantry staple for a quick dinner on a busy night. Pair it with a prepared sauce for a ten minute meal, or try one of our favorite weeknight recipes to feed your family in a snap.
Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe
If you aren’t a fan of broccoli rabe, you can replace it with broccolini or just everyday broccoli florets. If you don’t have pancetta on hand, you can use bacon or omit it entirely to avoid a last-minute trip to the market.
One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta
Use this genius one-pot pasta technique with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Fresh cherry tomatoes, canned artichoke hearts, olive tapenade, prepared pesto! There’s no limit, so use what you love best.
Spaghetti with Garlic, Oil, and Hot Pepper
This simple 6-ingredient dish, using just pantry staples, is a go-to for tired chefs after a long day of work. For a little extra protein, toss with canned chickpeas or flaked tuna.
Spaghetti with Anchovies and Fennel
Nice quality anchovies are an underrated must-have, making for a quick and easy dinner right out of the tin with a handful of crackers! With just a little more effort, you can use them for this pasta dish flavored with just garlic and some fresh fennel fronds. If you don’t have fennel in the house, top the pasta with another herb like parsley, or leave them out and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Pennette all’Arrabiatta
The tomatoes for this dish cook for about 30 minutes, but it’s hand-off time, leaving you free to relax. You can pair this sauce with whatever pasta you have in the pantry, so don’t get hung up on the details.
