5 Fun Ways to Use Up Pasta

Get creative with the pasta you have in the pantry

By: Carissa Chesanek

Related To:

Easy Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups, as seen on Food Network Kitchen.

Easy Pesto Lasagna Roll-Ups, as seen on Food Network Kitchen.

Photo by: Lauren Volo

Lauren Volo

Get a Premium Subscription to the Food Network Kitchen App

Download Food Network Kitchen to sign up and get access to live and on-demand cooking classes, in-app grocery ordering, meal planning, an organized place to save all your recipes and much more.

Spaghetti, penne, rotini, angel hair and lasagna noodles are some of our favorite pantry staples, and for good reason: Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. But, it is easy to get stuck in a rut. Instead of repeating the same old recipes, think outside the (noodle) box. These fresh, fun pasta recipes (straight from the Food Network Kitchen app!) will help you switch up your pasta routine, as you make your way through your pantry stockpile.

If you're looking for a fun twist on lasagna, these roll-ups are it. Kelly Senyei shows you how to make them with ease, using only six ingredients. Everything from the cheese, to the marinara, to the pesto, these saucy roll-ups will have the whole family hooked.

Ree Drummond's dish Lasagna soup, as seen on Food Network.

Ree Drummond's dish Lasagna soup, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Anders Krusberg

Anders Krusberg

Ree Drummond has another idea for lasagna noodles, the least-loved shape in the pasta aisle. In her class, she breaks them into smaller pieces to add to a hearty Italian soup. P.S. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to substitute anything from the wine you can use to the type of tomatoes. No added trip to the store for you!

Justin Chapple features Toasted Pasta and Meatballs in Parmesan Brodo, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Justin Chapple features Toasted Pasta and Meatballs in Parmesan Brodo, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Photo by: Brian David Photography

Brian David Photography

Justin Chapple brings his own take on a pasta soup that will fit any craving. For this recipe, you'll learn how to toast the angel hair pasta (yes, toast it!) before adding it to a cheesy garlic broth alongside pork meatballs.

Do you have a few boxes of spaghetti on hand but not much else? Fear not. Larisa Alvarez provides a classic pasta dish that only calls for a few extra ingredients you likely already have in the kitchen —butter, olive oil, pepper and Parmesan cheese.

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Lemon Breadcrumbs, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta and Lemon Breadcrumbs, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Photo by: Jason DeCrow

Jason DeCrow

Sometimes finding your favorite thick fettuccine noodle can be hard to come by, and all that's left is thin angel hair. While it might not be your first choice for alfredo, it's the top choice for this delicious scampi. Andrew Zimmern explains how to master the art of making your own breadcrumbs for an added crunch to this traditional dish.

Related Links:

Next Up

When All Else Fails, Make Pasta

Easy to prepare, inexpensive and a staple in most people's pantries, pasta won't let you down come dinnertime.

Fettuccini Alfredo With Zucchini Ribbons — Meatless Monday

Ellie uses low-fat milk to lighten up this decadent dish, but she adds garlic and creamy parmesan cheese to maintain its full flavors and traditional textures.

Skillet Lasagna — Meatless Monday

Prepare Food Network Magazine's lasagna on the stove and serve with Giada's Mixed Green Salad With Sherry Vinaigrette and Rachael's Garlic Bread.

Is Pasta Healthy?

Why you can (and should!) embrace pasta as part of a healthful diet, according to a dietitian.

Hearts of Palm Are the Pasta Substitute You're Missing

Zoodles, schmoodles. This healthy hack is more satisfying — and super cheap.

The Best Instant Pot Creamy Pastas

Imagine comfort food in minutes.

These Veggie Butters Make Pasta for Picky Eaters a Little Healthier

Got a pasta-with-butter lover? This is your weeknight dinner solution.

The Best Ways to Use Up Leftover Chicken

Easy skillets, pastas, salads and more await.