Penne

Delicious with roasted meats or chicken.

This recipe comes from my 86-year-old grandmother, a northern Italian from Faenza, who picked it up during her travels as a piano teacher in southern Italy. I've watched her make it my whole life and know the recipe from memory.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

If you're feeling extravagant, try replacing the scallops with half a pound of lobster. Or substitute a pound of cubed chicken for the seafood and chicken broth for the clam juice.

Pasta Mille Gusti This recipe for "pasta with a thousand flavors," as Aeolian Islanders call it, is based on one developed by Fraser's friend after the writer herself was unable to persuade any locals to share their recipes. We recommend Bella di Cerignola olives, which are quite mild. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

For a richer dish, splurge by adding an ounce of reconstituted dried porcini mushrooms to the sauce.

This dish is best eaten right away. You can make all the parts — except for the pasta — way ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. (The slow-roasted tomatoes are also great in other roles — as part of an antipasto in the summertime, as an omelet filling, or as a topping on grilled bread.)

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

A lovely do-ahead pasta salad for spring.

Great served warm or at room temperature.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Full-flavored and hearty, this classic pasta dish with bacon and tomato sauce is always a hit. Top it with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

Canned chicken soup with a bit of oregano and lemon juice, accompanied by warm pita bread, starts the meal with the proper Greek flavors. Purchased baklava and strong coffee splashed with ouzo conclude the dinner in a spirited way.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.