I don’t need an excuse to stay in and enjoy a big bowl of pasta. But in case you were looking for one, international pasta day is just around the corner. This year, the carb-centric celebration falls on Friday, October 25, which means there’s never been a better time to cancel all your plans in favour of everyone’s favourite comfort meal. While, no doubt, most home cooks have time-honoured recipes they reach for when the pasta craving strikes, if you feel like stepping out of your comfort zone this international pasta day, the RUSSH team has got you covered. From cult classics to twists on tradition, below, enjoy our pick of the pasta recipes worth trying. You're welcome.
Marion Grasby’s spicy garlic butter linguine
Pasta traditionalists might gawk at a recipe that combines soy sauce and parmesan cheese, but I’m here to tell you: don’t knock it before you try it. This garlic-heavy recipe by former Masterchef contestant Marion Grasby is addictive, and brimming with garlicky, cheesy, salty goodness. Even better, it’s made using simple ingredients you’ll likely already have on hand.
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Think of puttanesca as a simple tomato pasta sauce, but better. With the addition of unassuming pantry items like anchovies, olives, capers and chilli flakes, this sauce transforms from basic to anything but. Serve yours with the pasta shape of your choice (I’m a spaghetti enthusiast, personally), and finish with a heavy-handed pinch of parmesan and fresh parsley.
Alison Roman’s caramelised shallot pasta
What’s not to like about shallots cooked low and slow until they turn into a sweet, caramelised jam? Like the name suggests, shallots are the hero of this dish by food genius Alison Roman. Their sweetness is perfectly balanced by tangy tomato and salty anchovies which, combined, make for a pretty heavenly mouthful. The perfect light pasta dish to be enjoyed as the weather warms up. (Or year-round. I'm not judging).
Nigella Lawson’s Lasagne of Love
I’d argue that there’s nothing more comforting than a plate of lasagne straight from the oven. If you fall into a similar camp, Nigella Lawson’s aptly-named ‘Lasagne of Love’ is like a hug in pasta-form, and makes for the perfect night-in companion.
Benedetta’s ragu by Samin Nosrat
This ragu comes courtesy of Samin Nosrat of Salt Fat Acid Heat, and relies on the marrying of simple ingredients simmered low and slow until they combine into the perfect rich sauce. If you’re feeling particularly inspired in the kitchen, you can also whip up a batch of Nosrat’s Pasta all’Uovo. Naturally, it pairs best with a glass of red and a healthy dose of parmesan.
Ellie Bouhadana’s cavatelli with green sauce, pangratto, and burrata
Ellie Bouhadana’s’ green sauce will trick you into feeling like you’ve hit your vegetable quota for the day. The former Hope Street Radio chef marries leek, broccoli, and kale with the richness of butter, white wine, pecorino, and capers for a silky sauce that’s second to none. It’s also an impressive dinner party dish, thanks to a topping of golden breadcrumbs and, of course, a beautiful ball of burrata.
