La Spaghettata

Get home late, say after the theater, and decide you're hungry, OR: some friends drop in unexpectedly just before dinner.
What to do?
The Italian answer is a spaghettata: Set pasta water to boil, and while some of you set the table the others see to the sauce. Here are three quick ideas, all Roman:

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper. Can't get easier, and it is good.
• Spaghetti all'Amatriciana, zesty tomatoey pasta that gains substance from sauteed pancetta (or even bacon in a pinch).
• Spaghetti alla Carbonara, made with pancetta (or (again) bacon) and lightly beaten eggs. Tremendously satisfying!

And don't forget a little freshly grated Pecorino Romano at table, for those who want it, and a bottle of Frascati.
Buon Appetito!