They are a staple ingredient in my pantry.
Canned tomatoes are also incredibly versatile and lend themselves to everything from soups to casseroles to pastas.
And this winter, our Spaghetti Squash Soup with Sausage has become a new staple in my house.
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Be sure to use heavy cream; a lower-fat option might curdle when mixed with acidic tomatoes.
Sweet Italian sausage pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the squash.
Caitlin Bensel
The broth that coats the thin strands of spaghetti squash is flavorful and light.
You’ll want to add it to your weeknight dinner rotation ASAP.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners, and this enchilada version is no exception.
Also called chana masala, this dish is a comforting and delicious dinner.
Cooking the pasta right in the sauce saves time and cleanup while infusing the noodles with more flavor.
Cheesy Marinara Beans
This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles.
Katie Webster
Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online.
Cannellini are a good substitute.
Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette.
A dollop of ricotta cheese mixed with mozzarella and Parmesan adds a creamy finishing touch.
Serve with naan to sop up the sauce for a healthy vegetarian dinner with plenty of protein.
Serve it with slices of whole-wheat bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Caitlin Bensel
Photography / Nico Schinco, Food Styling / Frances Boswell, Prop Stylist / Paige Hicks
