With the Thanksgiving feast just days away, your mind is likely elsewhere at this very moment, consumed with last-minute menu planning, frequent runs to the grocery store and the requisite home organization to prepare for out-of-town guests. But no matter how long your Turkey Day to-do list may be, the question of tonight's dinner remains, and on nights like these, only one kind of meal will fit the bill: fast.

Thanks to Food Network Magazine's family-friendly recipe for Lemon-Pepper Fettuccine (pictured above), it's indeed possible to get supper on the table in only 20 quick minutes. Perhaps the best part about this pasta is that its list of ingredients includes everyday items you likely have on hand already — so there's no need for an additional trip to the supermarket. As the hearty fettuccine is boiling, get to work on this simple sauce. Start by sauteing sweet shallots in butter, then add a mixture of cream and lemon zest plus nutty pecorino cheese for contrasting rich and refreshing flavors. The secret flavor weapon of this sauce comes at the very end when you add up to three teaspoons of pepper; this seasoning will add a bold punch of flavor and complement the citrus as well. Be sure to save a bit of the pasta water after draining the noodles, as you might need some to thin out the sauce as you're mixing the dish together.

If you have a few extra minutes and want to round out the meal with a simple side, try Rachael's Green Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette. She combines strawberry jam with balsamic and olive oil to create a sweet and tangy dressing, then tosses it with fresh berries and greens to turn out a five-minute plate that family members of all ages will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Fettuccine from Food Network Magazine

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more Meatless Monday recipes.