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Knowing how to cook pasta properly is the foundation for many a bully repast. But follow a few basic rules: utilize a big pot with lots of water, more salt than you lot call back y'all need, and watch the clock. Beneath I'll share my easy technique for cooking pasta perfectly whether to serve in warm dishes or a salad.

dried spaghetti in a pot with water

Pasta is affordable, has a long shelf-life (2 years!), and is low in fatty. Yes, it's a carb, merely eaten as part of a balanced nutrition it'south a great source of energy. Choose the whole wheat varieties for more than protein and hunger-killing fiber.

How to cook pasta perfectly

According to legendary Italian cookbook writer Marcella Hazan, the spaghetti or pasta itself should be the final affair you lot cook when making a pasta dinner. Everything else, sauce, etc., should be ready to go. That way, the spaghetti can be drained, tossed with sauce for proper sauce-noodle adhesion and served pronto!

Cooking pasta for warm sauce

Fill a big pot with 6 quarts h2o. Bring to a eddy. Add salt. Be generous, this salt seasons the pasta as it cooks and penetrates into the noodles.

hand adding salt to water in a pot

Add the dried pasta. Stir until the h2o returns to a boil. Set a timer for 1 minute less than the packet instructions recommend. Test for doneness at this point. If you lot like your pasta very firm (al dente) or are going to be simmering for a while in sauce, cheque and remove even sooner.

cooking pasta in a pot with water

Now, strain and cool briefly, but practice not rinse. Rinsing washing abroad the starch that helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Toss in olive oil instead.

overhead shot of pasta in a colander

When fix to use, add to warm sauce, toss and stop cooking or chill for subsequently employ.

overhead shot of cooking pasta in a skillet with sauce

Cooking pasta for salads

As to a higher place, fill pot with six quarts of water, bring to a boil, add salt, followed by dry pasta. For pasta salad, melt according to packaged directions.

side by side shot of pasta cooking in pots

Next, strain and cool briefly, but practise not rinse. Toss in olive oil immediately when it's yet warm.

bowl of cooked pasta with oil poured on it

Finally, cool to room temp and air-condition covered.

bowl of cooked pasta with oil poured on it

Favorite pasta recipes

  • I Pan Pasta
  • Lemon Ricotta Pasta
  • Greek Pasta Salad
  • Arrabiata Pasta with Shrimp
  • Hummus Pasta
  • Creamy Mushroom Pasta
  • Garlic Lemon Tuna Pasta
  • Baked Pasta with Basis Turkey
  • Pasta Bolognese
  • Pasta in a Mug
  • Chicken Fajita Pasta
  • Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Frequently asked questions

Can you cook pasta in the microwave?

Technically, yes, but it takes a proficient two to iii minutes longer than the stovetop and has to exist washed in a large microwaveable container. Save as an emergency method if you detect yourself without a stovetop .

How exercise you store cooked pasta?

Store cooked pasta in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator where it should terminal upwardly to five days.

Can you lot freeze cooked pasta?

Frozen plain pasta can be mushy when thawed and reheated. Freezing works best for sauced dishes, especially baked pasta recipes like lasagna.

Is it condom to eat dried pasta past its expiration date?

Pasta is one of those foods that can go beyond its expiration date but it might taste very bland. However, egg noodle pastas similar papparadelle and tagliatelle may become rancid. Use the sniff test.

How much spaghetti is one serving?

If you read the back of one lb. box of spaghetti, it is likely to say it contains eight servings – two ounces per serving. But realistically, it is better to plan for three to 4 ounces per adult.

overhead shot of bowl of spaghetti and sauce

A key ingredient in everything from piece of cake pantry meals like spaghetti with marinara to time-intensive special occasion fare like lasagna, pasta is a kitchen MVP: warm and soothing comfort food that is e'er in the cupboard!

For more cooking resources:

  • How to Cook White Rice
  • How to Cook Brown Rice
  • How to Cook Quinoa in a Pot
  • How to Skin Garlic
  • How to Melt Chickpeas
  • How to Make Oatmeal
  • How To Cut Cabbage
  • How To Make Oat Flour
  • How To Cut a Mango
  • How to Make Pesto

If you've institute this cooking resource forHow to Cook Pasta helpful or if y'all've tried any recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, and then don't forget torate the recipe and go out me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with this technique. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

Prep Time 3 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Full Time 18 mins

All-Clad 5 Piece Cookware Set

ExcelSteel Heavy Duty Handles and Self-draining Solid Ring Base Stainless Steel Colander

  • 1 pound pasta stale
  • half dozen quarts water
  • three tablespoons salt

  • Fill a pot with 6 quarts water, bring to a boil.

  • Add the common salt, followed by the dried pasta.

  • Stir until the h2o returns to a boil.

With a Sauce or Cooling For Later

  • Cook for ane infinitesimal less than the packaged instructions.

  • Strain and cool briefly, just do not rinse. Toss in olive oil.

  • When ready to use, add to warm sauce and finish cooking or chill.

With a Common cold Salad

  • Cook according to packaged instructions

  • Strain and cool briefly, simply practise not rinse. Toss in olive oil.

  • Identify in refrigerator covered.

Storage:Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They volition last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Calories: 210 kcal , Carbohydrates: 42 g , Poly peptide: seven thou , Fat: 1 k , Saturated Fat: 1 g , Sodium: 2655 mg , Potassium: 126 mg , Cobweb: 2 g , Carbohydrate: ii g , Calcium: 35 mg , Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.