I think we are way overdue for another edition of Wax-On, Wax-Off, don't you? You know the concept, right: Once you learn how to cook something without using a recipe, you are more inclined to cook it. So taking everything you know about pasta (you can use this really helpful primer from Bon App to refresh yourself), take a look at the ingredients on the cutting board above, and maybe, if you're a by-the-book, stick-to-the-recipe-kind of cook, try winging it tonight instead.
And of course, let me know what you come back with.
Pictured above are all the makings of an easy 20-minute dinner: Pappardelle, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, goat cheese, shallots. (Olive oil, salt, and pepper not shown.)
The mushrooms are maitake (aka hen-of-the-woods) that I picked up at the farmer's market, but you can sub in your favorite mushrooms if maitakes are a tall order. You can also replace the pappardelle with fettucini and the goat cheese with Parm or Pecorino. The point is: Have fun, improvise, and if you screw up -- who cares?