When it feels like there’s absolutely nothing in your pantry, there’s usually a box of pasta. And…admit it, maybe a couple other things? A jar of tuna, a can of tomatoes? Some onions and garlic or herbs? These brilliant recipes will help you create a tasty, satisfying dinner out of just a few staples.
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RecipeRigatoni with Roasted Artichokes, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Olives
Roasting jarred artichoke hearts brings out their earthy flavors, combined with briny olives, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. -
RecipeCorn, Bacon, and Egg Pasta
If you have frozen corn and bacon, this riff on carbonara is a snap. -
RecipePasta Grattugiata
This homey "grated pasta" is made from little more than chicken stock and breadcrumbs. -
RecipePasta with Yogurt and Caramelized Onions
If you have a ton of onions and some Greek yogurt, you're ready to make this life-changing pasta. -
RecipePenne alla Vodka
A classic for a reason. And yes, vodka is always in our pantry. -
RecipePenne Rigate with Olives, Roasted Peppers, and Tuna
This simple sauce is packed with the flavors of southern Italy—briny olives, sweet peppers, and rich tuna. Feel free to improvise by adding capers or anchovies, or by substituting canned sardines for the tuna.
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RecipeSpaghetti with Creamy Braised Garlic and Leeks
Braising the garlic in this recipe takes away some of its punch, rendering it sweet and ultratender.
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RecipeAngel Hair Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce
If you happen to have some grappa on hand, the fiery Italian spirit is a delicious alternative for the gin in this recipe.
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RecipeLinguine with Hot Chile, Caramelized Onion & Gremolata
Gremolata—a combination of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley—adds a nice, fresh touch to this and many other dishes. Try sprinkling it on a creamy pasta, risotto, grilled shrimp, sautéed spinach, or steamed green beans.
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RecipeSpaghetti with Garlic, Hot Pepper & Pecorino
This dish is a cross between two Italian classics. The garlic and red pepper flakes are the base for Spaghetti Aglio, Olio & Peperoncino, while the black pepper and pecorino pair up in Spaghetti Pepe & Cacio. Here, they form a rather tasty mix.
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RecipeFettuccine with Tuna, Lemon & Fried Capers
Don’t be afraid to pair tuna with strong flavors that can stand up to it. In this recipe, crisp capers, thin slivers of garlic, and bright strips of lemon zest do just that. -
RecipeRigatoni with Red Pepper & Parmigiano Cream Sauce
The combination of roasted red peppers and cream gives this sauce a rich, satisfying feel. If you have them, you could stir in some sautéed cauliflower or Italian sausage to add a little more substance. -
RecipePasta with Lemon-Walnut Pesto and Breadcrumbs
This bright pasta dish uses pantry ingredients to beautiful effect. Jarred preserved lemon is available at many supermarkets and specialty food stores, or you can make your own. -
RecipeCreamy Sun-Dried Tomato, Ginger, and Basil Pasta
Ginger plays suprisingly well with the Italian flavor profile in this pasta. -
RecipeSpaghetti with Mushroom Cream Sauce
This easy pasta gets complex flavor from a combination of mushrooms (try a mix of cremini, shiitake, black trumpet, portobello, and chanterelle), cream, and a secret ingredient—tawny port.
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RecipeSpaghetti with Fresh Breadcrumbs, Garlic, and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This is a twist on spaghetti aglio e olio, a traditional Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and chile. The fresh breadcrumbs soak up the spicy oil and garlic in a most delicious way. -
RecipeVegetarian Penne alla Puttanesca
You probably already have everything you need for this hearty Sicilian pasta in your pantry. Anchovies are a traditional component, but even this vegetarian version has the trademark briny flavor of the sea, thanks to the bold capers and olives.
