Pasta is one of my greatest weaknesses. Opening a menu, my eyes are immediately drawn to the pasta dishes, and I rarely pass it up. There’s just something comforting and satisfying about a big bowl of pasta with a delicious sauce.

While most of us associate pasta with Italy, it’s likely that pasta originated in Asia. Regardless of where it started, nearly every country has its own version of the simple and inexpensive dish made from flour and eggs.

And while I’ve created a countless number of pasta recipes over the years, here are a few of my favorites.

Tomato Bacon Pasta has been a family favorite for years. The acid in the tomatoes is the perfect complement to the smoky bacon flavor. We love this as a savory side, but it works great as a main dish as well. You can even add sliced grilled chicken for a little more protein and turn it into a super-hearty supper.

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a shortcut recipe that isn’t short on flavor. This dish turns a simple jar of Alfredo sauce into a tasty pasta dish reminiscent of New Orleans. We love this quick and easy dish on busy weeknights, but it’s fancy enough for company, too.

There is a reason this Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti is the most popular recipe on SouthernBite.com…it’s just amazing! This recipe consistently gets 5-star ratings from readers. It’s easy, too. While the recipe makes a lot, it freezes well, and leftovers reheat amazingly. Like a little heat? Be sure to add the spicier version of Ro*Tel to give it a kick. Check out SouthernBite.com for a super-easy slow cooker version of this sure-fire family favorite.

My classic Cheesy Baked Ziti is another one of those dishes that’s only made better by its ease of assembly. We often make a big batch for Sunday supper and then have leftovers for those busy weeknights when we’re stretched between homework and soccer practice and cooking is a struggle. It’s also perfect to take along to folks who need a little comfort. Maybe they’ve just had a baby, been in the hospital or suffered the loss of a loved one. No matter the case, we all need to be loved on every now and then, and this is the perfect dish for any of these occasions.