Myths abound when it comes to cooking techniques for flavorful, just-right, sauce-friendly pasta, but the size of the pot really does matter. Ideally, use a pot or Dutch oven that holds at least 7 qt., with lighter pots producing better results than heavy ones, according to RealSimple.com. When you use a lighter pot, your water will come to a boil more quickly initially and after you add the pasta, as well.
Step 1
Measure the amount of dry pasta you need based on the number of people being served. For example, 8 oz. of uncooked noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine and fettuccine, yields around 4 cups of cooked pasta. Egg noodles yield approximately 2.5 cups of cooked pasta per 8 oz. of uncooked noodles. The standard serving size for cooked pasta is 1/2 cup.
Step 2
Bring water to a boil in your Dutch oven or large pot. The National Pasta Association suggests boiling 6 qt. of water for 1 lb. of uncooked pasta. Adjust the recipe based on the amount of pasta you need.
Step 3
Add the pasta once the water comes to a rolling boil. Stir the pasta immediately to help prevent the noodles from sticking together. RealSimple.com advises against breaking longer pasta to make it fit in the pot. Instead, stir the pasta into the pot as the middle softens.
Step 4
Add salt to intensify the heat and so that the pasta can absorb the flavor during cooking. Add 2 tsp. of salt for every 3 oz. of pasta.
Step 5
Test the pasta one minute prior to the recommended cooking time on the package. The pasta is done when it is firm and cooked through.
Step 6
Drain the pasta immediately. Rinsing with cold water is not recommended because it washes away flavorful starch.
Tips and Warnings
- Stir the pasta once every minute during cooking to prevent clumping. Avoid adding oil during cooking, which can interfere with sauce absorption later.
Things You'll Need
- Large pot
- Salt
- Pasta of choice
- Pasta fork
- Colander
References
- RealSimple.com; Pasta Do's and Don'ts; Sara Quessenberry
- National Pasta Association: Cooking Tips
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: What Counts as an Ounce Equivalent of Grains?
- National Pasta Association: Preparing the Perfect Pasta
- EatPasta.org: Q&A With Chef Cesare Casella
- RealSimple.com; Three Tricks to Cooking Pasta; Kate Merker
Member Comments