Weeknight Meal Planner: 01/29/18 

This simple, classic carbonara recipe is the perfect dish when you need a special night in. And with this foolproof method for nailing the signature creamy sauce, you can go into the kitchen with confidence. Traditionally, you would toss your hot pasta with the eggs and cheese right in the skillet you’ve used to cook the pork (over low heat) to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. However, this method takes practice to get right—and crossing the fine line between gently cooking the eggs and scrambling them is all too easy, even for a pro. With this smart test kitchen technique, you essentially create a double boiler to provide just enough heat to melt your cheese and emulsify the silky sauce, without running the risk of breaking it. Finally, drizzling pancetta drippings over the pasta disperses rich porky flavor throughout the sauce even without ever having the pasta in the skillet. We use pancetta for this recipe as it is easily found in most supermarkets, but guanciale is traditional and worth trying if you can find it. Gemelli pasta is a great noodle shape to pair with this rich and saucy dish, but feel free to use whatever noodle you prefer.

Our take saves 446 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 1,260 milligrams of sodium over one serving of a leading chain's sweet and sour chicken. 

Brothy and light, this is a perfect summer soup. A quick and easy pesto adorns each bowl for a burst of herbal freshness. In a pinch, you can use purchased pesto.

If you've ever had Italian eggs in purgatory, this recipe makes a similar Israeli breakfast dish called shakshuka. If you need to stretch the meal, simply add another egg to the pan. Top with any herb, such as cilantro, chives, or oregano.

Isn’t it time you started packing a sandwich you’re proud to show off in the break room? With vibrant herb flavor and a perfect balance of meaty/creamy/crunchy texture, this fresh twist on a chicken salad sandwich is sure to be the envy of the office. Feel free to use your favorite store bought pesto if you’re not game to make your own. If you’re packing this sandwich to go in the morning, you should have no problem with it becoming soggy before lunchtime as long as you toast the bread.  

This easy holiday drink is akin to an off-the-charts milkshake. The peppermint candies add bold mint flavor as well as a kick of sweet chocolate. Savor the flavors of the holiday season with these easy peppermint desserts.