Marinara often takes the crown in terms of quick-fix pasta sauces, but with just a few key ingredients, Alfredo sauce, too, is a go-to pick on nights when you have next to no time to make dinner. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipe with little more than cream and cheese or you’re looking to dress up the original with bright, bold flavors, check out our top five ways to dig into this satisfying supper.

Add a squeeze of lemon.

Giada De Laurentiis opts for a two-part approach to adding refreshing lemon flavor to her 10-minute sauce: the juice as well as the grated zest. After simmering the lemon juice with the cream and butter, she adds the pasta and nutty Parmesan before tossing it with the zest ahead of serving.

Don’t forget the pumpkin (because ’tis the season for pumpkin spice).

Pumpkin spice has invaded our lattes and muffins, so why not our pasta, right? Ready in only 20 minutes, Food Network Magazine’s recipe adds a dollop of pure pumpkin and a pinch of nutmeg to a classically cheesy sauce for warm spice.

Serve it atop ravioli.

Thanks to store-bought ravioli, this stick-to-your-ribs recipe from Food Network Magazine comes together in a hurry. Not only do the peas add color, but they also promise pops of brightness amid the richness of the cream.

Think low-cal.

Believe it or not, it’s indeed possible to trim calories fromf Alfredo without sacrificing flavor. The secret? Neufchatel, or low-fat cream cheese. In this recipe from Food Network Magazine, it offers the creaminess you crave, but is less indulgent than the usual heavy cream.

Go classic, because with cream and cheese, you can’t go wrong.

Rich, hearty and endlessly comforting, The Pioneer Woman’s 15-minute sauce is the ultimate in family-friendly fare.

Related Links:

5-Star Pasta Recipes

The Pioneer Woman's Best Pasta Recipes

Italian Dinners