September Is Here and So Are These Pasta-Scopes
September is the season of transition, toggling between some of the best late-summer produce and a chill in the air that calls out for comfort foods. Good thing we’ve got plenty of pasta recipes for both occasions. The stars foresee parmesan cheese in your future.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens1/12Aries
You’ve been playing in the sand all summer, but this month, you’ll be playing catch-up. Odds and ends are waiting for you, and now is the time to tackle them. Make that doctor appointment, delete those ancient screenshots, clean out the fridge (shudders). Pare down wherever possible so you can make room for the things that really matter. Then pare down your pasta routine with this simple White Pesto Pasta starring ricotta, garlic, and toasted walnuts (and no blender necessary). This is the type of minimalism you could get used to.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Pearl Jones2/12Taurus
Your romance meter is at 🔥🔥🔥 this month. You’ve been more willing to keep an open mind lately, and it’s paying off in the love department. And since we want you to keep falling in love, try Spicy-Sweet Sambal Pork Noodles, nickname: Sambal-ognese. It brings the 🔥🔥🔥 you’re feeling this month with a spicy pork sauce, and it can be made with any type of noodle, from ramen to spaghetti (keep an open noodle mind too).
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Pearl Jones3/12Gemini
This month, you’re beginning a new chapter at home. Maybe you’re welcoming a new roommate (puppies count), or maybe you’re finally committing to floral wallpaper, or moving to a new houseboat. Wherever you live, Gemini, it’s always important for you to feel at home. To enhance those home vibes, boil up some Tortellini with Brown Butter and Sage. Buttery, toasty and aromatic, this pasta checks all the boxes, and it will fill your house with brown butter scents that no candle can compete with.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li4/12Cancer
Sometimes you get too comfortable in your shell. And that’s usually fine—but not this month! It’s time to connect and socialize. Who knows what kinds of helpful connections await you. Go to the thing, talk to people, and then come home and make a helpful connection with Corn Cacio e Pepe. It’s like your beloved mac n’ cheese, but with a fancier name (and more pepper). Like you, it’s got a grown-up side, but is still a kid at heart. Seasonal fresh corn takes this dish to a level you didn’t know existed.
Gentl & Hyers5/12Leo
This month, you’re discovering ways you could be smarter about your most precious resources: your time and money! You’re strategizing in the career sector this September—save more, invest, increase that 401k contribution, find a new job—while remaining optimistic about the future. One thing you can immediately look forward to is Sopressata Pasta with Delicata Squash and Thyme. Delicata is pretty (you appreciate this, Leo) and it caramelizes easily, but you can use whichever squash arrives in your CSA basket. You know how to be resourceful, Leo.
Peden + Munk6/12Virgo
You’re sparkling this month, Virgo. You’ve got a renewed perspective on life, and now you’re wondering what in the world you can’t do. Take that leap this month, in whatever arena it appears. Then take that go-get-em attitude to the kitchen and make Fusilli alla Vodka. It’s spicy (thanks to a generous amount of red pepper flakes) to match your current mood—let’s not be subtle about it. It’s okay to feel competitive once in awhile, and this is a dish that’s certain to win you over.
Photo by Heidi's Bridge, styling by Molly Baz7/12Libra
This month, you’ll either be geeking out on a big project or lying low at home, reading and doing puzzles, before summer comes to an end. Whatever you’re up to, do it for your own mental and spiritual rejuvenation. Another gift you can give yourself this month? One-Pot Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe. It sounds simple, and it is, while packing serious flavor: savory sausage, bitter broccoli rabe, and all the cheese you can dream of. And one pot! Because we know you don’t like to do too many dishes after.
Photo by Laura Murray, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich8/12Scorpio
September places an emphasis on your social circle: surround yourself with people who can make you look even better than you already do. You can be a loner sometimes, but embrace that feeling of belonging. Invite people over for Cauliflower and Mushroom Bolognese, which is arguably as convincing as a Beyond Burger. This comforting, umami-packed vegetarian dish will spark a dinner debate: is is bolognese if there isn’t meat? You love a good social experiment.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Kate Buckens9/12Sagittarius
All eyes are on you this September, Sag, so put yourself out there (whether on Tinder or LinkedIn or Instagram). It could be anything from professional recognition to a contest-winning flight to Bora Bora. Things are going to be busier this month than you’d normally prefer, but this time, you’re here for it. You need a dish that matches your bright outlook, like this Pasta al Limone. The acidic lemon-cream sauce is as welcome as all the attention you’re about to pull in, so fuel up.
Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Andy Baraghani, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski10/12Capricorn
As summer winds down for others, you need a last-minute adventure. Peruse airfare deals and get outta here. Whether literally or figuratively, you’re feeling open this month. Look out for opportunities to experience new things and master new skills. You can start by making your own pasta. Malfatti with Pancetta and Cherry Tomatoes is an easy entry. These ricotta dumplings with salty pancetta don’t require any kind of machinery. You’re about to have an adventurous month, Capricorn—fasten your seatbelt.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Molly Baz11/12Aquarius
Drama and intensity are typically *not* your vibe, Aquarius, but whether you like it or not, conversations are going deep this month. There will be nowhere to run when your partner (or your mom) starts picking your brain about 10-year plans. Face your fears, but mostly, get excited about what could be. Everything else in life can be simple this month, like this Simple Carbonara. Dependable, straightforward, and no-drama. Sound familiar?
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Jennifer Ophir12/12Pisces
You’re hanging out a lot this month, Pisces, but it’ll be fun (hermit season will come again soon enough). Make plans and collaborate with other people and watch the results blossom, whether it’s a co-authored comic strip or a jointly-hosted dinner party. Make this inventive and delicious Skillet Lasagna. It’s crispy-edged, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying. This is the kind of plan you’ll have no problem committing to.
Catherine Urban is an astrologer from Cleveland, Ohio who is making all the pesto dishes this month (white, green and red). Connect with Catherine on Instagram @astrocatherine
