How the queen of entertaining throws a dinner party… with just pantry staples.

Dan was born to host a soiree.

At his annual cookie party, guests bring their homemade cookies to share.

Portrait of Dan Pelosi alongside a platter of chicken marsala

Simply Recipes / Gabriela Herman / Andrew Bui

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I dont want to have to run across town to that one market that sells that one ingredient.

you’ve got the option to do so many things with panko bread crumbs.

Two plated portions of spaghetti aglio e olio

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

They go in meatballs.

They’re a great topping.

Whipped cream is like a little kiss to make anything you put on the table feel special.

A kitchen countertop with a mix of snacks, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages like Ghia and Phony Negroni

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Are there places to put drinks?

Are there places to put food?

Are there places to move around?

Platter of chicken marsala on a kitchen counter

Simply Recipes / Photo by Andrew Bui / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Maybe I need to reorient my couch for the night or move the coffee table.

What is one thing that stresses you out about having people over?People bringing food.

I don’t usually ask people to bring food to my house when I’m hosting.

It’s less work for me to make everything and know when it’s gonna hit the table.

That kind of full hosting soothes me.

I’d be happy drinking water or maybe iced tea for the rest of my life.

So, I love it when people bring drinks.

Are there any entertaining trends youre loving right now?I love thatnon-alcoholic drinksare popping up everywhere.

I’m someone who’s never drank alcohol, and it doesn’t matter why.

They have high margins of error.

If you leave something out, they still taste delicious, which is helpful when you’re entertaining.

You roast it, and then you let it sit.

It’s a great make-ahead.

The spaghetti is the classic pantry disheveryone loves spaghetti, olive oil, garlic.

It’s pure comfort.

I add castelvetrano olives, which give it a bit of heartiness and a bit of fattiness.

you’ve got the option to also add capers or other olives.

And then panko gives it the perfect crunchy topping.

The dish comes together in 15 minutes and is easy to multiply.

Perfect vegetarian and could be gluten-free, too.

This skillet Chicken Marsala comes together so fast and is easy to reheat.

You could even double the sauce if you wanted to and pour it over mashed potatoes.

That sauce is just so good.