Linguine tossed with courgettes, pumpkin seeds and green beans

Pasta is one of the world’s great comfort foods and, like polenta and potatoes, it is the blandness that is the basis of the appeal. The flavours you add to it, whether a meat- or vegetable-based mixture or sauce, are what makes the dish. But not quite. There is pasta and then there’s pasta. Next time you shop for some, buy one of the more artisan types. They’ll generally have a more interesting texture and flavour, and this only enhances the finished dish. You can omit the chilli if you pr