How to Cook Pasta

Perfect al dente pasta every time

⚡Quick Answer

Boil salted water (like the sea), add pasta, cook 1-2 minutes less than package says, save pasta water before draining.

Use a large pot with at least 4 quarts of water per pound of pasta. Bring to a rolling boil.

💡More water prevents pasta from sticking together.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. The water should taste like the sea.

💡This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Add pasta and stir occasionally. Cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente.

💡Test by biting - it should be tender but firm in the center.

Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water. It's liquid gold for sauces!

💡The starch in pasta water helps sauce cling to pasta.

No! Oil prevents sauce from sticking to pasta. Just use enough water and stir occasionally.

Only for cold pasta salads. For hot dishes, never rinse - you'll wash away the starch that helps sauce adhere.

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