Pasta/45 recipes

Note: 15 bean mixtures are available packaged in supermarkets and health food stores. If you prefer, make your own by combining equal amounts of dried blackeyed peas, red kidney beans, white kidney beans (cannellini), green lentils, split peas, black beans, yellow split peas, navy beans, cranberry (Roman, shell, or shell out) beans, great Northern beans, pinto beans, small white limas, red lentils, cow peas (field peas), and pink beans. Avoid using beans such as garbanzos and large lima beans, as these take longer to cook than other varities.

Fiery penne all'arrabbiata with pancetta, crushed Roma tomatoes, capers, green olives, anchovies, and hot chili peppers simmered in red wine. A bold, spicy Italian pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Bay scallops with pasta shells in a fresh tomato cream sauce made with white wine, shallots, basil, and reduced heavy cream. An elegant 45-minute seafood pasta dinner.

Penne alla vodka with spicy tomato cream sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes. Italian restaurant-style pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Quick shortcut Chicken Alfredo with jarred sauce, peas, bacon bits, and crispy French-fried onions over pasta. A weeknight crowd-pleaser ready in under 45 minutes.

Stir-fried chicken and tender-crisp broccoli tossed with penne in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. A lighter weeknight pasta ready in 45 minutes with no heavy cream needed.

Rustic Italian pasta and bean soup doubles up cannellini and red kidney beans with crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and pasta. A hearty 45-minute dinner topped with fresh Parmesan.

Kid-friendly chicken chili with ground chicken, bell peppers, tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and alphabet pasta: mild, hearty, ready in 45 minutes for picky eaters.

Bite-sized chicken simmered in white wine with broccoli and mushrooms, smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce. A cozy 45-minute dinner for two, served over pasta or rice.

Italian spaghetti with sauteed shrimp, white wine, fresh basil, mint, and cherry pepper. A light, herb-bright coastal pasta that comes together in 45 minutes.

Tiny pasta shells tossed in a creamy Monterey Jack sauce with shrimp, minced clams, and a splash of dry sherry. A cozy, one-skillet seafood pasta ready in 45 minutes.

Spinach fettuccine with bay scallops, broccoli, red pepper, and mushrooms in a light white wine sauce. Quick seafood pasta with sweet scallops, ready in 45 minutes.

Shrimp and wine spaghetti in a garlicky tomato sauce with white wine, basil, and oregano. A quick Italian-style seafood pasta dinner ready in under 45 minutes.

Bold tomato-anchovy sauce clings to al dente spaghetti in this rustic Italian seafood pasta with tuna. Ready in 45 minutes for easy weeknight dinners that taste like coastal Italy.

Homemade Beef a Roni with ground beef, pasta shells, mushrooms, and corn in a rich tomato sauce. A filling weeknight dinner the whole family will devour in 45 minutes.

Rigatoni with ground lamb, pine nuts, feta, and fresh mint in a light tomato-broth sauce. A Mediterranean pasta dish with bold Greek-inspired flavors ready in 45 minutes.