17 easy ways to make simple pasta dishes even better using things you have in your kitchen

Olives add a Mediterranean flair to an otherwise simple pasta dish.DronG/Shutterstock

• Pasta is a go-to meal for many people, but you likely have extra ingredients in your fridge or pantry that can take your dinner to the next level.
• From pantry staples like jarred olives and capers to frozen vegetables, these commonly found kitchen ingredients can transform any simple pasta dish into a gourmet-tasting meal.
• "The important thing to remember is not to be intimidated or afraid to experiment, because pasta is so cheap," cookbook author Francesca Montillo told Insider.

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 tons 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," Francesca Montillo, an Italian culinary tour leader, cooking class teacher, and author of the cookbook "Pasta in a Pinch: Classic and Creative Recipes Made with Everyday Pantry Ingredients," told Insider.

"You're not working with an expensive roast beef. ... People often cook the same pasta dishes over and over again, but folks shouldn't be anxious to experiment, whether it's with meats, vegetables, or anything else they have on hand."

Here are 17 easy ways to make simple pasta dishes even better using things you have in your kitchen.