If you like soup with a kick, opt for hot Italian sausage.

It’s a simple dinner the whole family will love.

Pair this comforting soup with a green salad.

a recipe photo of the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Chicken Pasta

Photo:Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

This easy pasta bake is perfect for feeding a crowd.

If you want to mellow the smoky flavor, regular Gouda works just as well.

Serve with a simple side salad or garlic-roasted broccoli.

a recipe photo of the Sausage & Cheese Tortellini Soup

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

It’s sure to be a new family favorite that’s quick enough to pull off on a weeknight.

It’s served over linguine with a buttery wine sauce.

Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta

Mint and peas are a natural pairing in this creamy pasta dish.

Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

It works well as a vegetarian main dish or can be divided into smaller portions as a side dish.

If you have pine nuts on hand, sprinkle them over the top for a little crunch.

Parmesan cheese grated fresh with a microplane grater will give you the best results.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

The best part about this recipe is that it only requires one vessel to cook everythingpasta included.

If you like spicy but not too spicy, use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausages.

This easy pasta bake is packed with spinach.

creamy pasta with mushrooms

Feel free to swap the spinach out for another green like kale if you have it on hand.

Just be sure to remove the tough stems and chop it into smaller pieces before cooking.

Are you a spiralizing pro?

a recipe photo of the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Swap 5 cups of raw zucchini, carrot or other veggie “noodles” for the cooked pasta.

With just a few add-ins like lemon and Parmesan cheese you have a delicious silky sauce.

Want to use up your veggie stash in the freezer?

a recipe photo of the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

Swap in 8 ounces frozen spinach for fresh.

Prep it in the morning and let your crock pot do the work.

Be sure to save some of the pasta-cooking water as it helps the sauce emulsify.

Shrimp Scampi

a recipe photo of the Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta

PHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY, FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY, PROP STYLIST: SHELL ROYSTER

One-Pot Orecchiette with Sausage & Peas

Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst

cheesy meatball casserole

Jen Causey

a recipe photo of the Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta Bake

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop stylist: Shell Royster

3759402.jpg

plate of noodles with a spoon and fork

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Pasta

Jennifer Causey