Recipes can be hard to follow and take a lot of time. Recipes leave you with ingredients that are hard to use again, too. Keep staple ingredients on hand and build a #BetterPantry that will save you time and money. Remembering just a few simple tips will help you make quick and tasty meals. For example, pasta dishes can be a quick, healthy and budget-friendly way to make a dinner that the whole family will love.  

Step 1: Use your favorite whole wheat pasta shapes to make dinner more exciting! Elbows, spaghetti, penne and bowties all taste great and are fun for kids to eat!

Step 2: Pick a protein. Stick to lean proteins such as ground turkey, chicken or lean beef. For a vegetarian or vegan option use tofu, edamame or beans. Vegetarian proteins also add extra fiber to your meal!

Step 3: Add color, flavor and nutrients to your pasta with vegetables. Peppers, onions, spinach, kale, broccoli and carrots are all great options. Having frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables can be helpful in building your #BetterPantry.

Step 4: Finish off your pasta dish with a sauce that will add flavor and bring everything together. For warm pasta dishes, tomato-based sauces taste great and are low in fat. For cold pasta dishes, try using your favorite salad dressings.

Add extra flavor to your pasta by mixing in and topping with parmesan cheese, nuts or fresh herbs and spices.

Building your #BetterPantry can help you make tasty dishes that are quick and easy! Pasta dishes are fun to build out of a few simple ingredients that you already have. They also make great leftovers, so don’t be afraid to make extra for the week. Now that you know the secret to creating a meal that everyone will love, you will never have to stress about dinner after a busy day!