The Perfect Pot of Pasta Is Just a Few Tips Away

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. If you grew up in an Italian household, these may be old news but for everyone else, these easy tips and tricks can help you master that perfect al dente bite each and every time.

Woman cooking pasta.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

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. This is not the time to be eco-conscious with your water use.

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 will help bring out the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Just be careful as the water will boil aggressively when the salt hits it.

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 if you've ever been pressed for time and ignored this tip you know the result is typically a mushy mess.

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. If you're cooking a gluten-free pasta variety, be vigilant as the ingredients used tend to make boil-overs a lot more commonplace.

Adding pasta to a pot of boiling water.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

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 and sometimes the package directions are off by a minute or two.

Don’t Rinse the Pasta

After draining, don’t rinse the pasta. Rinsing removes the starchy coating that helps the sauce cling better.

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!

Reserved pasta cooking water.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

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 makes the final dish taste so much better.

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 similar to not using enough water.

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.