Easy pasta recipes are a routine lifesaver even in the best of times. In the decidedly less-than-optimal times we are currently in, pasta is no less than a shelf-stable miracle—providing nourishment, comfort, convenience, and versatility for the stressed-out, hungry masses that are cooking at home more than ever.
Considering the fact that trekking to the grocery store is akin to going into battle these days, it’s a good idea to have some pasta recipes that you can make without breaking social distancing or donning protective gear—i.e. what you have on hand. These easy pasta recipes rely on ingredients you’ve likely got stowed in your pantry—olive oil, beans, tomatoes, tuna, olives—along with staple ingredients like lemons, garlic butter, parmesan, and more garlic.
A note: If a recipe calls for something you don’t happen to have at the moment, now’s the time to get creative with your substitutions. Use frozen broccoli instead of peas, parmesan instead of pecorino, and whatever the hell pasta shape you’ve got… you get the idea. (Also, consider any fresh herb garnishes to be more like loose suggestions—more aspirational than necessary.) Happy pantry cooking.
