It's very handy to have a few recipes you feel comfortable making when you're tired or when you need a company meal fast.  If you keep the main ingredients on hand, you'll be less stressed and you'll be less likely to resort to takeout.

When I need a meal just for myself, I find pasta very easy.  I can make whatever pasta I have in the house.  I saute some minced garlic and any veggies I happen to have (zucchini, squash, asparagus, peppers, etc.) in some olive oil and butter and toss that with the pasta.  If I want to be extra fancy, I can stir in a bit of white wine too.  Top it off with some parmesan and it's fabulous.  If you have leftover chicken or turkey or shrimp or tuna, you can toss that in too. 

And never discount a bagel pizza:  a frozen bagel topped with some tomato paste (I like the roasted garlic kind) and some grated Mozarella and maybe some parmesan.  Leftover veggies make good toppings too.

For company, my go-to meal is always chicken piccata.  I can make it with my eyes closed and I know how it will turn out and how long it will take.  I have two pasta dishes I know I can count on as well:  pasta ametriciana and pesto.  I've made both recipes dozens of times and I know they go over well with guests.  For light refreshments, I count on pico de gallo and fresh guacamole with white corn tortilla chips.

What recipes do you count on?