Make Pasta Like a Pro

No more clumping, sticking, or gluey texture

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

October 20, 2023

National Pasta Day is October 17. Here are steps to help make your pasta look and taste like an expert created it.

Boil
Bring a couple of quarts of water to a boil. Avoid adding oil to the water since it can cause your sauce to slip off the noodles.

Salt to Water Ratio
Once boiling, add at least 1 ½ tablespoons of kosher salt for every pound of pasta. If using sea salt (which is more potent), use about one rounded tablespoon. Salt flavors the pasta and shortens its cooking time.

Pasta Drop
Make sure to wait until the water is boiling before adding pasta. As soon as you drop the pasta into the boiling water, stir it. This prevents it from sticking together or to the bottom or sides of the pot. Avoid clumps and help noodles cook evenly at the same pace by stirring frequently. Try using a single, long chopstick.

Firm When Bitten
Check the directions on the package of pasta for cooking time. Start to test about two minutes before the indicated time and cook until al dente.

Reserve
Reserve cooking water to add to your sauce so it adheres better to the pasta and emulsifies with the fat and any cheese being added. The starchy pasta water also helps thin the sauce (generally whatever type you make) to a quality consistency. 

Drain
Remove most of the water when draining, but not all of it. As the pasta cools, the starches will firm up, and the pasta will stick together.

Pasta and Sauce United
Cooking the noodles should be the last step in preparing your pasta meal. Once the noodles are cooked, add them immediately to the sauce in a hot pan, not the other way around. Otherwise, it will begin to stick and become gluey. Add the reserved pasta water — a couple of tablespoons of pasta water per serving of pasta and sauce. If using a low-fat sauce like a tomato-based one, consider adding extra fat, such as extra-virgin olive oil or butter, to ensure quality texture. Cook the hot pasta and sauce together for a minute or two.

Garnish
Transfer cooked, sauced pasta to a serving bowl or individual dishes and garnish. This last hit of flavor can elevate your pasta dish to the next level: a squeeze of lemon juice, grated Parmigianino Reggiano, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs, or freshly chopped parsley and basil. Mangiamo!