Pasta Perfect

Book excerpt: When it comes to eating fresh and delicious food, pasta is the ideal choice. This book includes over 70 recipes, from authentic Italian classics to vibrant and contemporary dishes. A plate of pasta is one of the most satisfying things in the world—whether coated in a rich tomato-based ragù, doused in a fragrant herb pesto, or smothered in creamy carbonara sauce. Pasta has many merits: it is inexpensive, quick to make, and works both as an everyday staple or a dinner party showstopper. Laura’s approach is that the heart and soul of each dish is down to the sauce. The dishes are divided into Quick and Easy with simple stunners such as Pepper and Parmesan and Lemon Artichoke Pesto. Vegetables and Fungi comes next with an umami-rich Wild Mushroom Ragu. Following this is Fish and Seafood with a simple Salmon Carbonara as well as luxurious affairs like Asparagus and Scallop. In Meat and Poultry are Best-ever Meatballs, Spicy ‘Nduja Sausage. Flip to the Creamy and Cheesy chapter to find earthy Gorgonzola and Walnut and zesty Saffron and Zucchini.