National Pasta Day: Follow these three easy recipes to enjoy vegetarian pasta

Here are three vegetarian, chef-approved recipes that prove a luxurious, soul-soothing meal is always within reach. Whether you're craving the elegance of pomodoro, or the rustic brilliance of aglio e olio, these recipes transform staples into star dishes. 

Spaghetti Pomodoro

Elevating humble ingredients to culinary poetry, the pomodoro is a velvety sauce that clings perfectly itself to the al-dente spaghetti. While there are several iterations of this dish, chef Amit Sharma, co-founder of Poetry by Love and Cheesecake, shares his go-to recipe. 

Ingredients:
Uncooked spaghetti 200 gm
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion, chopped 1 small
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 to 1/2 tsp
Plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 6 no
Fresh basil leaves 15 no
Salt 1 tsp
Pepper 1/4 tsp
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup

Method:
1. Cook the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and set aside.
2. Saute the onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and pepper flakes: Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Simmer the sauce: Add chopped tomatoes and reserved pasta water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Combine spaghetti and sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Finish with basil and parmesan: Remove from heat. Stir in torn basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.

Penne Pesto

The vibrant and fragrant pesto is ideal for a relaxing summer lunch. Coated over crowd favourite penne, this deeply satisfying pasta can be made in 15 minutes. Pramod Paswan, head chef at Lotus Eco Beach Resort, Murud, shares a simple recipe. 

Ingredients:

For pesto:
Fresh basil leaves 2 cups
Garlic 2 cloves
Nuts (pine nuts, walnuts or cashews) 3 tbsp
Grated parmesan cheese ½ cup
Olive oil
Penne pasta 200 gm
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Zucchini, sliced 1 cup
Bell peppers, sliced 1 cup
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Method:
1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.
2. To prepare the pesto, place garlic and nuts in the food processor and pulse until they're chopped.
3. Add the basil and pulse until it's a rough paste. With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the sauce looks right. 
4. In a large skillet, combine cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat.
5. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers to the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Aglio e Olio

An Italian classic, the aglio e olio can be whipped in no time using inexpensive pantry staples. This comforting spaghetti is widely popular as a midnight fix, but makes for an indulgent meal round the clock, especially if you’re a fan of garlic. “Pasta has a quiet poetry of its own simple, soulful, and deeply satisfying. In dishes like Aglio e Olio, the magic lies not in extravagance but in balance," poses executive chef Anshul Dhyani, ITC Grand Central.

Ingredients:
Spaghetti 200 gm
Extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp
Garlic, thinly sliced 5–6 cloves
Red chilli flakes (adjust to taste) 1 tsp
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated parmesan or pecorino (optional)

Method:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil gently in a pan. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic do not burn.
3. Add chilli flakes and a ladle of pasta water to create a light emulsion.
4. Toss in the drained spaghetti, mixing well so every strand glistens in the garlicky oil.
5. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and, if desired, a dusting of parmesan. Serve immediately for that warm, soul-soothing comfort.