Are your weeknight pasta nights starting to feel predictable…even though you know pasta has so much more potential?When you’re tired and hungry, it’s easy to reach for the same jar of sauce and the same box of noodles. In this episode, we’re showing you how to turn pantry staples and simple techniques into pasta dinners that feel comforting, craveable, and completely new.By the end of this episode, you’ll:Learn the secrets to a crispy-topped, gooey baked pasta that’s worth turning on the ovenExpand your rotation with dishes built around seasonal greens, wild mushrooms, and bright citrusDiscover how to harness your pantry to build bold, flavor-packed sauces—including a Samin Nosrat recipe we can’t stop makingPress play and make pasta night the best night of the week.***LinksSix Seasons of Pasta by Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmber, for all the best ways to make a baked pasta dishBaked Ziti from All Recipes – Sonya made a version with Cavatapi pasta and swapped sausage for blanched broccoli rabeCheesy baked pasta with Sausage and Ricotta by Melissa Clark for NYT Cooking Baked gnocchi alla Sorrentina from Wishbone Kitchen River Cafe Walnut Tagliatelle from The Guardian (we skip adding oil to our pasta water)Sausage ragu by Sara Jenkins and Nancy Harmon Jenkins, adapted by Julia Moskin for NYT Cooking (unlocked)Bucatini with Swiss Chard, Raisins and Parm by Joshua McFadden by way of Nigella Lawson by way of Amateur GourmetCreamy Mushroom Pasta with Garlic Miso Butter by Chandra Ram for Food & WineNigella Lawson’s famous lemon linguineChicken Piccata pasta by Anna Theoktisto for Food & WineSamin Nosrat’s spicy tuna pantry pasta from Food and Wine

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.