If there is one dish that has earned for itself a reputation as a universal favorite, it would definitely be pasta. Pasts can be cooked up a myriad different ways and is the best food around that can cater to a wide range of tastes. It can be served as a salad, a main dish and even as dessert! The possibilities are endless, as are the ingredients that you can use to accompany the pasta.

Because of this, pasta can be the ultimate dish-to-the-rescue for quick-fix meals. It is a quick lifesaver when you have surprise guests or when your teenager decides to hold an impromptu dinner or slumber party with his friends. Pasta is the easiest dish to prepare in times when you feel you are too worn out to do any kind of serious, complicated cooking.

Preparing a pasta dish is certainly a better alternative to ordering takeout or eating out, since the best way towards healthy eating and living is to always try to prepare your meals yourself.

Always have pasta in your pantry. When you have the time to do the shopping and the cooking, it is best to stock up. Pasta comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and because it can be stored for long periods of time, it is best to buy and stock several different varieties. You can choose from fettuccine, tagliatelle, bucatini, farfalle, fusilli, route or sphagetti. Just drop these in a pot of boiling water and you have pasta ready in minutes. With different shapes and textures, you can always make each dish look unique and appetizing. It would always seem that you did a lot of work when in reality; you only prepared the dish in minutes.

For emergencies, you can store different sauces in the freezer. On a day when you find yourself with no other pressing chores, spend some time in the kitchen preparing batches of different types of pasta sauces. Whether you choose a marinara sauce or any other variety, you can store these in clearly labeled containers in your freezer. When you are ready to use it, it can be easily thawed in the microwave or on the stove until it begins to boil, which will only take minutes. You can do this while you are boiling the pasta and when you are ready to eat, your pasta and its accompanying will be ready to be tucked into.

If you rarely have the time to work in the kitchen, using a Crock Pot will be a good way to stock up on sauces for your pasta dishes. Since the Crock Pot is closed and cooks using low temperatures, it is safe to just leave it unattended as it cooks, allowing you to go about your work day worry-free while still getting the cooking done.

Even lasagna is a breeze with the crock pot. Sautee the meat, onion and garlic and cook the cheese sauce. Layer the meat, cheese, sauce and pasta in the crock pot and leave to cook for 4-6 hours. Then go about doing whatever you want. At the end of 6 hours, you have lasagna for an immediate meal plus plenty more that you can store for emergencies.

What is great about pasta sauces is that they only get better in time. You will always be the gourmet cook with the flavorful meals – all prepared with ease. Just don't let anyone in on your little secret.