How to Cook Pasta

Cooking pasta is more than just dropping a box of spaghetti in water and hoping for the best. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be making perfect pasta each and every time.

Finally you can stop wondering how do I cook my pasta.  There are a few simple rules to follow that will have you cooking pasta pleasing meals each and every time.

First and most important use plenty of water when cooking pasta.  Using too little water will make for sticky gooey pasta.  You should start with about 4 quarts of fresh cool water.  This means take out that big spaghetti pot and stop using your favorite sauce pan.  Sauce pans are not designed for cooking pasta.

As you portion out the pasta you should cook about 2 ounces of pasta per person.  Bring the fresh cool water to a rolling boil.  Once the water is boiling, but before adding the pasta, add 1 heaping tablespoon of salt for every four servings.  Always add the salt to the water.  If you wait until the pasta is cooked you will end up with salty noodles.  By adding the salt now the pasta can absorb the salt and your pasta will taste better.  Finally add the pasta, allow the water to soften the noodles and stir gently.  Never allow the pasta to stick to the bottom of the pan.

Angle hair pasta and spaghetti should take about 8-10 minutes to cook; heavier noodles such as penne can take up to 20-25 minutes.  To test for doneness just scoop out one noodle and taste it.  You can cook the noodles a couple of minutes longer for softer pasta.

Once the pasta is cooked drain it in a large colander or strainer.  Immediately pour the pasta back into the hot pot it cooked in.  Never run the pasta under water, this only serves to weaken the taste.  In the pot mix a small amount of butter and sauce in with the pasta.  This will keep the pasta moist until it is time to serve.  The sauce should be added in larger quantities at the table or as you are serving.