Geoffrey Zakarian opts for a trio of meats — ground pork and veal, plus sweet pork sauce — to form the base of his tender, juicy meatballs, and he beefs them up with extra flavor in the form of fresh herbs and cheese. After baking the meatballs, he moves them to his tomato-basil sauce to let them simmer before serving with pasta.

This perfect weeknight dinner is a spin on regular layered lasagna. Sunny packs the cheese filling with fresh basil and parsley. She says, “This is such a great dinner to throw together during the week!”

GZ balances the delicate flavor of crab with tons of fresh herbs, seasonal zucchini and bright lemon zest.

Yes, it really is possible to make authentic homemade pasta with just four ingredients. If you don’t have a fancy stand mixer, you can also make it by hand.