Weeknight Meal Planner: 02/05/18 

You'll want to double the sweet and spicy sautéed pecans for snacking during the week. Sub fresh summer fruit like blueberries or nectarines for the raspberries.

This foolproof method delivers the classic, crave worthy flavors and textures of cacio e pepe—strong peppery backbone (without verging towards too “hot”), earthy saltiness from the Pecorinocheese, and a luscious sauciness that will have you ready to lick the bowl. That said, while our method largely stays true to the iconic dish, one element might catch a traditionalist’s eye: olive oil. Though not exactly typical in cacio e pepe, we found that incorporating olive oil makes emulsifying the delicate cheese sauce a far less finicky process. Grating the cheese (as opposed to shredding) or using a Microplane is also key, as this allows the cheese to melt quickly. And finally, remember that pasta water is your best friend when it comes to making a silky smooth sauce. We developed this recipe for two as it makes for a incredibly impressive—yet budget-friendly—date night dinner when served with a simple green salad and a dry white wine. However, you can easily double the recipe to serve more. We love bucatini for this recipe because the hollow noodle is perfect for capturing the rich sauce, but you can use whatever noodle shape you like; linguine, spaghetti,or fettuccine are all great options. 

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.

Hearty, creamy, and offering just the perfect touch of briny tang, this chicken chowder is the most delicious use for pickle juice you’ve never thought of. 

A steak dinner for two feels date-night special, but this meal couldn't be easier. One 8-ounce strip steak is just enough for two; if you care for different levels of doneness, cut the steak in half before grilling.

Why choose between a waffle, a cookie, and a brownie, when you can have the best of all three? This recipe is great for kids who aren’t quite ready to cook using the stovetop or oven. Try it with different baking mixes and cookie combos to create your ultimate dessert.