10 fresh takes on mastering easy dinners with a box of pasta

Is a box of pasta.

Because a box of pasta is like that been-through-it-all-with-you friend, that dinnertime Swiss Army knife that can be counted on in your time of need no matter what the day has tossed your way.

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil, then add 4 cloves thinly sliced garlic and cook until just starting to brown.

Add 1 cup grape tomatoes and 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken meat.

Add 1 cup low-sodium beef broth and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth.

In a blender, combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

On a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, combine a 15-ounce can of chickpeas (drained, rinsed and patted dry) with 2 cups cubed butternut squash.

In a large bowl, toss together a grated medium zucchini, 1 pint halved grape tomatoes, 2 cloves minced garlic, the pasta and a healthy drizzle of olive oil.

Add 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth and whisk together.

[...] in a large skillet with a splash of vegetable oil, brown 1 pound ground beef with 1 diced medium yellow onion.

Stir in 1 cup frozen corn kernels and warm gently.

Stir in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme.