Pasta is a crowd-pleaser (read: spag bol) but it’s also incredibly versatile.
It’s delicious for a packed office lunch, makes an easy weeknight dinner and impresses guests during a decadent dinner party.
The recipes below variously suit different occasions, for when you want a comforting bowl of risotto made with
Level up your serving with an extra dusting of parmesan and dig into the dish that will have you feeling warm inside.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CQ4OOTUXD5GLNOCQYHQKYEORGE.jpg?auth=b701294e02320e0c361d473a9a874fcbf52bcc36631e351f30c48a4865120158&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Orzo lays a soft and pillowy bed for smoky salmon in this luxurious yet simple dinner dish.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/6QXGKIK7LMRF2XFWNCAXG7N6SM.jpg?auth=30659f497072d20b85775a3cc2b32b82801512c49853beeab88d778349066256&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Toasted pine nuts add a rich flavour to this pasta, which is piled high with parmesan and Italian parsley.
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This weeknight classic comes from Donna Hay’s cookbook The Fast Five. It offers an elevated version of the dish, with fresh sourdough breadcrumbs and chilli flakes bringing a crunchy texture.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KG3SIJG7RNBBHHZ4SMUMKABIYI.jpg?auth=4cebf8eee5cb755ef5ccaced4400987962e83659cd293ef6ff8394ebc1f47dc8&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
According to Angela Casley, chorizo sausages release a “beautiful bright orange oil” when they’re cooked — perfect for frying onions and garlic.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GL2FYQ4K7NAGFBZHLGCLV2YLRY.jpg?auth=f4d67dbc382cb2e6189ef38e2755958d92bdd258481b842eec11d247b2544240&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Crispy fried sage leaves add crunch to this fast-cook pasta, which is accompanied by lightly spiced tomatoes.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/K6ARLBZG4JG5W4H25LPFNBAB2Y.jpg?auth=2635e13e1cc203085356061348f9054b85cf51b34d39e739e04e7fb2869cc992&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.This vegetarian pasta has a vibrant green colour and is brightened with a sprinkling of lemon zest.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/F2B45LFGIDMUIP3ILPTXG37N74.jpg?auth=5b7b36d2d533ad7b28b50bdca6d454cd4955b75a5e51cbaaf2297d9d8a597b77&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This simple spaghetti dish draws a lot of flavour from its plump prawns, fresh dill and fried garlic.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FVFZ24JXGOLM2U33REVYCPLJYY.jpg?auth=55d57ac6180f880f73be02572652761d73ce146befb9be0d77bd46b9887a8d49&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This velvety pasta balances out the salty bacon with a full cup of basil, making it a moreish pick for lunch or dinner.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SV72J3GOTKBREEVXT6CQA4XIRE.jpg?auth=663b8034e902dc05f070f92749047f66327de48e099171d0de83737a0f53c285&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Twirl your way through this throw-together seafood dish that sees shellfish simmered in white wine.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/AMEZ3DXSJUTARAAP2FX3YJA27U.jpg?auth=ca497c203ddb7a5d6b6fcee6975efce66829e723527a6b50127f598da922d7a5&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Good quality olive oil and parmesan are pantry staples that lift the taste of this stripped-back pasta, letting the fresh vegetables shine.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MQ2IUGHHLJ7LWDALLHKXTJOU2M.jpg?auth=390c7f54c31f37f5b55e60b9fe2b9cd9fdaba8b1dc234a800b8f5800c6bc3eb4&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This punchy weeknight dinner can be brought together in just one pot, which gives the pasta itself heaps of flavour.
![Photo / Helen Cathcart](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PCNSC3524IHRPTPRUBJ6JTBFII.jpg?auth=8968c3e082718f2a190d3b1923a4ea992daf3c727b793ce2c4165521fec2239c&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This slow-cooked and delicious ragu recipe comes from Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi’s cookbook The Long & Short of Pasta.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/6AGYH5AC2ZHKZAUOH63EEME4FY.jpg?auth=3c136b7ff640f5c79bbe6e2d01f162eaa659519befda1c6256f783be95ee0a28&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
Sweet broccolini adds brightness to both the presentation and taste of this dish, while flaky and lemony white fillets remain the star.
![Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/L7TEVJW7FNS3FMTQT62IWI5IJQ.jpg?auth=8796b89ee7a13eafd7eca97732c2387cd8bffa85a055f6299784c606712b3c51&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This recipe, provided by Petite Kitchen, is showered with chives and Italian flat leaf parsley, balancing the richness of the egg yolks, parmesan and butter.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/WKOIM7KXIPKKGNKFJGXM3SUL74.jpg?auth=d27f3d7dea6a9a7a764d961c36024004d626465d39b0c62bfd0b27b01fdae853&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
They’re also excellent plated over creamy mashed potato or kūmara.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2NCC2WUZP2JHIIQ7KHG3OPMY2I.jpg?auth=c7399e4015dbe9e58003e59400a15a5a18932cc5b48179f48a3ad51a2cf4b1ad&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
The briny, salty anchovy is the star of this dish, while subtle thyme and pepper notes create tasty complexity.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2LRMUWR7S2DW7NYH6RBAJLJTIU.jpg?auth=96145c4ee18efe5e67bf72bfabe01b2e5459d3e8b621e775ca872d653108c92d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Vine tomatoes bring an alluring sweetness to this vinegar-topped pasta dish, brightening colder evenings.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MUSFAWQRK62AKX3E5HLU26RQ64.jpg?auth=e6971a5bc0034ca8ae97ce1f9580122613022ae0ad72d2b075606cb40977c147&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Zesty lemon, salmon and fennel make perfect pairings in this comforting pasta dish. Serve it with toasted nuts, fennel fronds and plenty of extra zest.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NTM6GDYWLEM77PTI25HLUGYGYA.jpg?auth=8099e2032f0eb873f1b6c5191d19da1ee9ca49406a2e2be6a8e0c1ee2a72dc3e&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
You can also serve this bolognese sauce on rice or topped with a fried egg.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/75UKC7JQLC5ECA6IOYQWHN7Q3Y.jpg?auth=154a6717d39d855b410b205cfe6480495f35dbc4c0c2c7aacffd090a2202fc59&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Serve up this simple vegetarian carbonara for an easy weeknight meal.