Grab all of my top tips to learn how to cook pasta perfectly every time. A great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal when tossed in a simple homemade sauce, or use cold in pasta salads. This foolproof method guarantees the best results when cooking dried pasta at home.
Fill a large pot with water and bring water to a full boil over high heat. Stir in the salt until dissolved.
After the salt is dissolved, add the pasta to the boiling water, stir a few times to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Boil pasta according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente, or about 10 minutes. A couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time is up, taste the pasta. It's al dente if it's tender but still slightly firm in the middle.
Reserve a small cup of cooking water to add to the sauce if needed. Drain over the sink and toss with desired sauce.
If using the pasta in a salad, add to a colander and rinse with cold water for about 1 minute, stirring until cooled down.
NOTES
Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti or pasta. If you start it in cold water it won't cook through evenly.
Don't skip the salt! This adds flavor to the pasta for the best tasting finished dish.
Don't add the pasta before the water is boiling.
Always stir the water when you first add the pasta.
Pasta should be cooked in quite a lot of water. This allows it to move as it boils so that it doesn't stick together. Use a big pot.
Taste the pasta at least two minutes before reaching the time printed on the packaging, and then again a minute later to make sure you drain it just when it is al dente.
Cook the pasta al dente and taste it before you drain it. If you overcook it, the pasta can become mushy as it will continue to cook once it's drained, and again when added to a sauce.
If you are not using the pasta immediately, rinse with cool water and toss with a drop of olive oil to prevent sticking later. Otherwise, toss with sauce and serve.
If you are making bolognese sauce or any other pasta sauce to accompany your pasta dish, you can reserve some of the cooked pasta liquid before you drain it to add to the sauce.
NUTRITION
Nutrition Facts
How To Cook Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 1199mg50%
Potassium 169mg5%
Carbohydrates 56g19%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 10g20%
Calcium 36mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course Ingredient, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword best way to cook pasta, how to cook dried pasta, how to cook perfect pasta