My busy neighbor dropped this off when I was sick, and it is pure comfort food. Can’t believe it’s just 3 ingredients.

If you like a little kick, choose a spicy beef chili or stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper with the chili and pasta before baking. Any sturdy canned or homemade beef chili will work, with or without beans; just be sure it’s thick and hearty so the casserole doesn’t turn soupy. You can swap part of the sharp cheddar for pepper jack or Colby if that’s what you keep on hand, but try to keep most of it sharp cheddar for that classic, comforting flavor.

For a slightly creamier texture, reserve a small splash of the pasta cooking water and stir it in with the chili and cheese; it helps the sauce cling to the noodles. If you’re cooking for a smaller household, divide the mixture between two smaller foil pans, bake one now, and cool and freeze the other (tightly wrapped) for a future busy or under-the-weather day; reheat from thawed, covered, until hot and bubbly.

To keep the spirit of a simple three-ingredient neighborly dish, resist the urge to add too many extras—this recipe shines because it’s straightforward, filling, and easy enough for anyone to put together when someone they love needs a warm meal.