• Many pantry staples can take your next pasta dinner to the next level.
• From olives and capers to frozen vegetables, these ingredients can transform a simple pasta dish.
• Cookbook author Francesca Montillo said not to be intimidated or afraid to experiment with pasta.

You’ve probably heard of “pantry pasta” — a meal made only with shelf-stable items. 

However, when it comes to spicing up your usual spaghetti and tomato sauce, you don’t have to limit yourself to just pantry items. There are plenty of common grocery-list items you probably already have in your kitchen that can elevate simple pasta dishes.

“The important thing to remember is not to be intimidated or afraid to experiment, because pasta is so cheap,”