MENUS

From busy weeknights with kids to entertaining guests on a Saturday, planning a delicious, balanced dinner is a cinch with these menus as your guide. For shortcuts on a busy night, see recipe.

MANIC MONDAY

Pull out the pre-made frozen sauce, meatballs, and bread to thaw on Sunday for an effortless homemade dinner on Monday.

PENNETTE WITH MINI MEATBALLS (see recipe)

LEMONY SAUTÉED KALE (see recipe)

GARLIC BREAD (see recipe)

FOR THE ADULTS Red wine

FOR THE KIDS Shirley Temples

HEALTHY & HEARTY

Pasta night gets a healthy makeover with the addition of nutritious vegetable mix-ins and a hearty side salad.

PENNETTE WITH KALE & FETA (see recipe)

GARLICKY ROASTED MUSHROOMS (see recipe)

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH HONEY (see recipe)

FOR THE KIDS & ADULTS Seltzer with lemons and limes

ROMANTIC NIGHT-IN

An elegant pasta dish and your favorite cocktail is just the ticket for date night.

SLOW-COOKED PORK & FENNEL RAGÙ (see recipe)

TRICOLORE SALAD (see recipe)

FOR THE ADULTS Your favorite cocktail

KIDS RULE

Little hands are perfect for picking basil leaves from their stems. Have an adult assist as they whirl the pesto in a blender.

1 RECIPE PESTO (see recipe), MIXED WITH YOUR FAVORITE COOKED PASTA SHAPE

TOMATO BRUSCHETTA (see recipe)

FOR THE ADULTS Crisp white wine

FOR THE KIDS Sparkling lemonade

COMFORT FOOD FEAST

Lasagna is perhaps the most comforting pasta dish of all. Warm up to this meal on a chilly night, with a side of garlic bread.

BEEF & SAUSAGE LASAGNA WITH MARINARA (see recipe)

ROASTED BEET SALAD (see recipe)

FOR THE ADULTS Red wine

FOR THE KIDS Root beer soda

SEAFOOD SUPPER

Satisfy seafood cravings with these simple dishes. Serve the two sauces with a big bowl of unsauced linguine, buffet-style.

LINGUINE WITH CLAMS (see recipe)

LINGUINE WITH SPICY CALAMARI (see recipe)

FOR THE ADULTS Your favorite wine

FOR THE KIDS Sparkling apple juice