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For many cooks, pasta is a go-to comfort food. It’s warm, welcoming, and easy to prepare. That said, you can get stuck in a rut using the same recipe over and over again. But there are many options for creating a delicious pasta dish. And, one of the best things is that you can often use ingredients that are already in your pantry. Let’s explore how to liven up this favorite food.


Try tomatoes or tomato sauce


Adding flavor to pasta with tomatoes is a common practice in many kitchens. While you can use premade tomato sauce, a can of crushed tomatoes will work just as well. For a bolder tomato flavor, add some tomato paste, either on its own or with canned sauce or crushed tomatoes. Whatever you decide, you’ll benefit from tomato’s high fiber content and antioxidant properties.


Drizzle olive oil on top


In addition to being one of the healthiest oils you can cook with, olive oil has a unique flavor that really brings out the taste of Italy when you dribble a small amount over your cooked pasta.


Toast breadcrumbs for your pasta


Whether you select store-bought breadcrumbs or some that you’ve whipped up at home and toasted lightly in the oven, incorporating this ingredient into your pasta recipe is a way to really up the flavor. The breadcrumbs will soak up the sauce and add a pleasant texture.


Include canned fish


Fish is a good source of protein that features other vital nutrients. Adding a can of tuna to pasta is something that many cooks are familiar with. Rather than sticking with the tried and true, experiment with other types of canned fish, like anchovies. This can really add interest. If you pick fish packed in oil rather than water, the flavor is enhanced, and there are added health benefits.


Choose capers or olives for salty goodness


If you have a can or jar of capers or olives on hand, they can give your pasta dish a nice kick. For additional enjoyment, combine them with sautéed onions and a mild cheese.


Opt for sauteed onions


Speaking of onions, incorporating a small quantity of sauteed onions into any kind of pasta sauce will add flavor in a wonderful way. Alternatively, you can roast or caramelize onions for a result that is delicious.


Make a pasta heartier with meat


As well as contributing to the flavor of an otherwise bland pasta recipe, meat can make your dish more substantial. Experiment by cooking up some bacon or ground beef or including a packaged meat like kielbasa or pancetta. It’s the perfect way to add protein.


Give mushrooms a try


If you prefer a meatless pasta meal, but don’t want to sacrifice robustness, mushrooms are a great alternative. Plus, you’ll be getting vitamin D. Popular varieties that are nice meat substitutes include bella, cremini, oyster, portobello, shitake, and white mushrooms, but virtually any type will do. 


Enhance your recipe with herbs


If you don’t have fresh herbs available, examine what dried varieties you have in your kitchen cupboard. Look for black pepper, garlic powder, onion flakes, oregano, and parsley, and see what they do to the flavor of your dish when used to revive your pasta sauce, either alone or in combination. Moreover, herbs are a good choice due to their antioxidant properties.


You can’t go wrong with cheese


No matter what kind of cheese you opt for, you can be certain it will give a basic pasta recipe that extra something. There’s really nothing like the velvety smoothness of melted cheese over pasta or the deliciousness of pasta baked in the oven with a cheese topping. From mozzarella to parmesan to ricotta and more, cheese can really make your dish. All cheeses have calcium and protein, and some will provide other nutrients, too.


Add zest to your pasta with lemons


Using lemons in your cooking has several benefits. Their citrus flavor wakes up the pasta dish with a certain zest, while the acidity they possess gives a nice balance. Furthermore, the peel of a lemon grated over a meal offers a pleasing garnish.


Pack a punch with bell peppers


When it comes to slicing up a few vegetables to enliven pasta, there’s nothing quite like bell peppers. From their bright red, yellow, green, and orange color to their distinctive taste and nutritional qualities, these veggies have a lot to offer.


Add protein with chicken or turkey


Cooking ground turkey or a chicken breast for your pasta dish is another way to include protein. Both provide many vitamins and minerals and represent meats with less fat content than others. In addition, the flavor of poultry will take your pasta meal to a whole other level.


In closing


As you can see, there are many approaches to making amazing pasta. With a range of tempting possibilities, this food is sure to find its way onto your weekly menu.