Linguine

A simple dish from the Cottage Inn, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Leftover roasted chicken or turkey makes this rendition of a popular salad a snap to prepare. It's made spicy by combining chilies with linguine, green onions, snow peas, cilantro and a peanut dressing.

Pasta with shellfish is an old Italian tradition. Have crusty bread on hand to serve.

Parmesan isn't usually served with seafood pasta, but the cheese adds a nice richness to this linguine.

A shrimp and scallop pasta dish with basil and fennel.

Curry dishes are usually served over rice, but pasta is a delicious change.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less, but requires additional unattended time.

Though Rose Pascale always uses fresh octopus (sold as pulpo in many Latino markets), we found that it's generally sold frozen. You may need to special-order or reserve octopus from your local fish market several days ahead.

Here's a simple and versatile pesto: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and a spoonful of it enhances everything from soup to chili. Add three cups of diced cooked chicken to the pasta to make a satisfying main course that serves four.

From Il Pastaio, Beverly Hills, California.

Look for dried wild mushrooms at most supermarkets; they lend a wonderful richness to this dish, which is great with garlic bread. Begin with a colorful salad of escarole and roasted red bell peppers, and finish with a winter fruit salad of sliced bananas and kiwi, fresh pineapple chunks and red grapes.

A sophisticated dish made from an assortment of pantry staples.

Serve this as a side dish, or add some cooked shrimp or chicken for a main course. Look for the sesame oil in the Asian foods section of the supermarket.

For a nice picnic, pack up this salad (chill it well first), some bread and wine.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The juices from the clams combine with spicy Asian flavors to make a great pasta sauce.