Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right can be tricky. No one likes pasta that’s too underdone or mushy, and it can be frustrating to get it perfect every time. Luckily, there are some easy tips and tricks that can help you master that perfect al dente bite each and every time.
Use Plenty of Water
Always use a large pot with lots of water when cooking pasta. This gives the pasta room to move freely and prevents it from sticking together.
Salt the Water Generously
Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. The water should taste like the sea, which helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
Wait for a Rolling Boil
Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents it from getting mushy.
Stir Occasionally
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pot and to itself. This is especially important in the first few minutes of cooking.
Follow Package Directions (but Test Early)
Check the package for cooking times, but start testing the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time. You want it to be al dente, firm to the bite, for the perfect texture.
Don’t Rinse the Pasta
After draining, don’t rinse the pasta. Rinsing removes the starchy coating that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water. Adding this to your sauce helps thicken it and makes it cling to the pasta. In fact, this is how you make the entire sauce for cacio e pepe — an absolute classic that’s so incredibly satisfying and couldn’t be easier!
Finish Cooking in the Sauce
For the best flavor, finish cooking your pasta in the sauce for the last couple of minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and enhances the overall dish.
Use a Large Enough Pot
Always use a large pot to give your pasta enough space to cook evenly. Crowding the pasta can cause it to stick together and cook unevenly.
Serve Immediately
Pasta is best served right after cooking. If you have to wait, toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and keep it covered to maintain its texture and warmth.
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
