Pasta is the perfect start for any quick and easy dish. You can keep it simple by serving it with some sauce. Or you can make it a more substantial dish by adding some chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Plus, today, there are so many varieties of pasta in the supermarket, you have your pick of several white or whole-wheat pastas that can tickle your taste buds. Here are five healthy, simple, and yummy pasta plates you will crave from Food Network host and dietitian Ellie Krieger, MS, RD.

• Ellie's Penne with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and White Beans
• Ellie's Portobello Lasagna Rollups
• Ellie's Linguini with Shrimp and Vegetables
• Ellie's Tricolore Penne with Chicken
• Ellie's Whole Wheat Pasta Salad with Walnuts and Feta Cheese
• Ellie's Macaroni & Four Cheeses

Recipes provided courtesy of Ellie Krieger. © 2008-2009 In Balance, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

To learn more about Ellie Krieger, MS, RD -- New York Times bestselling author and host of Food Network’s Healthy Appetite -- go to www.elliekrieger.com.

For more of Ellie Krieger's recipes, eat-smart advice, and tips, check out her Kaboose column, Great Food, Healthy Family.

RELATED ELLIE KRIEGER RECIPES:

• Ellie's Garlic "Fries"
• Ellie's Chicken Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust
• Ellie's Sloppy Joes
• Ellie's Crispy Chicken Fingers
• Ellie's Easy Tomato Sauce

  RELATED KABOOSE RECIPES: 

• Easy Mac and Cheese
• Home-Style Macaroni and Cheese
• Macaroni Au Gratin