With the right recipe, a packet of pasta can become a creamy comfort meal, a rich tomato-based classic or a cheesy baked dish that disappears quickly from the table.

There is a reason pasta remains a weeknight favourite in so many South African homes. It is affordable, filling, easy to prepare and versatile enough to turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a meal that feels special.

When the day has been packed with work, school runs and endless to-do lists, standing over the stove for hours is rarely an option.

The good news is that a satisfying family dinner does not have to be complicated.

You have so many options when it comes to pasta.