If there's a more versatile staple than pasta, I don't know what it might be. Its shapes - long and straight (fettucine, spaghetti) to short and curly (rotini) to rice-like (orzo) to beautiful bows (farfalle) - make it suitable for endless toppings and garnishes.

Many stores also now carry pasta made from grains other than semolina wheat. You can find pastas made of rice flour, whole wheat, quinoa, and other grains. This is a godsend for those who are sensitive to wheat gluten or who simply want to try something different.

Along with variety, pasta dishes can be among the easiest you're likely to find. If you can boil water and chop a few items with a knife, you can make a hearty pasta meal. Here's an example.

Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

Cook a long, thin pasta (linguine, spaghetti, fettucine) in boiling salted water, per package directions based on the number of people you'll be serving. While pasta is cooking, coarsely chop fresh tomatoes (roughly one per serving); but in a bowl and toss with a pinch of salt.

When pasta is done, drain well and top with tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a salad, or use this as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.

The variations on this are legion: mozzarella cheese instead of feta; fresh basil added to the tomatoes; sliced black olives; slivers of green onion... you get the idea!

Here's an idea for a more traditional, tomato-sauce type of pasta meal.

Penne with Sausage

2 servings

8 ounces penne (or other tubular pasta such as ziti)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Italian sausages
1 cup chopped onion
1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
¼ cup dry red wine
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water, per package directions. Drain and return to pot.

While pasta is cooking, remove casings from sausages and saute in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up into chunks as it browns, about 5 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper to sausage and cook for another 5 minutes. Add wine and boil for about 2 minutes, scraping up any sausage pieces that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add tomatoes and oregano or basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Add sauce to pasta in pan, tossing to blend until mixture is heated through again. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Look for more pasta ideas in upcoming articles. The possibilities are vast, so don't be afraid to dive in and start experimenting with combinations the suit your time and taste.