Celebrate National Pasta Day with These Four Classic Recipes
Happy National Pasta Day! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, pasta is the perfect dish to celebrate with. It’s versatile, comforting, and absolutely delicious. In honor of this special day, we’ve curated four must-try pasta recipes that are sure to satisfy every craving—from creamy classics to vibrant sauces. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of pasta!
1. Spaghetti Carbonara
Ingredients:
400g spaghetti
4 large eggs
150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
100g pecorino Romano, grated
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti in salted, boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
In a large pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the grated pecorino and plenty of black pepper.
Add the drained spaghetti to the pancetta and toss well.
Pour the egg mixture into the pasta, stirring quickly so the eggs don't scramble. Add reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Serve with more grated pecorino and a sprinkle of black pepper.
2. Rocket (Arugula) Pesto Pasta
This vibrant and peppery pesto is a twist on the classic basil pesto. The arugula gives it a bit of a bite, and it's perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta or using as a spread.
Ingredients:
100g fresh rocket (arugula)
50g pine nuts, toasted
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic
100ml olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Your Favorite Pasta
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend the rocket, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic until finely chopped.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until you reach a smooth consistency.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the pesto with your favorite pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine) and enjoy.
3. Penne Amatriciana
A bold and flavorful sauce from the Amatrice region of Italy, this dish features spicy tomato sauce with crispy pancetta or guanciale and is best served with penne for a truly authentic experience.
Ingredients:
400g penne pasta
150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red chili, chopped (optional for extra heat)
50g pecorino Romano, grated
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the pancetta until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté the onion and chili until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the pancetta and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss the penne in the sauce and top with grated pecorino Romano.
4. Tomato Basil Seashells
This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a light, fresh meal. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes combined with the aromatic basil will transport you straight to a sunny Italian garden.
Ingredients:
400g seashell pasta (conchiglie)
300g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cook the seashell pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Toss in the cooked pasta and fresh basil, stirring until everything is well combined.
Season with salt and pepper, then top with grated Parmesan
Whether you're in the mood for something rich and creamy like Spaghetti Carbonara or craving the zesty flavors of Penne Amatriciana, these recipes are sure to make your National Pasta Day celebration a hit. For a lighter option, the Rocket Pesto and Tomato Basil Seashells bring fresh, vibrant flavors that are perfect for a cozy night in. So, what are you waiting for? Boil that water, grab your favorite pasta, and let's celebrate in true Italian style!