How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time
by Diana Rattray, August 25, 2017
Avoid overcooking or undercooking your pasta with these helpful tips.
How to Cook Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, more than enough to cover the pasta. For one pound of pasta, use about 5 quarts of water.
- Bring the water to a full, rolling boil over high heat.
- When the water begins to boil, add salt -- about 1 scant teaspoon of salt per quart of water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir.
- The package should have an accurate time, so subtract 1 minute and set a timer (or ask Alexa to time it.)
- To keep the pasta from sticking together, stir the pasta every minute or two until the time is up. Don't add oil, just stir.
- With a slotted spoon, remove a few strands or a small amount of pasta to a plate. Let it cool slightly and then taste it. It should be chewy -- not hard and not mushy.
- Place a colander in the sink and drain the pasta. Avoid rinsing pasta unless you want to wash off the starch (for a salad, etc.).
- For very fast cooking, use fresh pasta.
- Cooking times can vary greatly depending on the pasta shape. Check the package for the best guidance.
- Filled pasta shapes float when they're done.
