Sean Connolly shows Niva Retimanu how to make perfect pasta

Despite not having an Italian bone in his body, acclaimed chef Sean Connolly can't get enough of the Mediterranean country's delicious cuisine.

"I'm the least Italian bloke on the planet," he says, "but I just love making Italian food!"

After identifying a gap in the market for an Italian restaurant in Auckland, Sean opened Gusto at the Grand at SkyCity, where he indulges his passion for all things pasta.

Teaming up with NZ Herald Focus presenter Niva Retimanu, Sean shares a simple recipe that you can make at home, combining roast pumpkin, pistachio nuts, and handmade rag pasta.