Campanelli is a frilly trumpet-shaped pasta. If you cannot find it, fusilli works well. Take care not to overreduce the vinegar, or it will become bitter.

ready in about 40 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • table salt
  • table salt
  • campanelli
  • balsamic vinegar
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • ground black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • chopped fresh basil
  • lemon juice
  • shaved Pecorino Romano

The test kitchen prefers the hearty strands of egg-enriched fettuccine usually sold in 12-ounce boxes. We found that you need to salt the water used to cook the pasta and vegetables quite heavily to make sure they emerge nicely seasoned.

ready in about 30 minutes; serves 4
You might need to buy:
  • unsalted butter
  • Table salt and ground black pepper
  • heavy cream
  • frozen peas
  • lemon juice
  • thinly sliced fresh basil

Calories: 398, from fat: 41%; FAT 18.2g (7.8 sat, 6.6 mono, 2.3 poly); PROTEIN 22.2g; CARBS 38.5g; FIBER 2g; CHOL 56mg; IRON 2. 8mg; SODIUM 1,036mg; CALC 407mg

ready in about 330 minutes; serves 8
You might need to buy:
  • 15oz carton fat-free ricotta cheese
  • pesto
  • sliced cremini or other mushroom
  • frozen spinach
  • Cooking spray