Food Works How to Cook Pasta
Master the art of cooking perfect pasta with our step-by-step guide, "Food Works How to Cook Pasta." This foolproof recipe walks you through boiling pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dish every time. With just four pantry staples—pasta, water, salt, and an optional drizzle of olive oil—you’ll learn the essential techniques for achieving evenly cooked, flavorful noodles. From selecting the ideal water-to-pasta ratio to timing your cooking for the perfect texture, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Pair your pasta with your favorite sauce, from classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, for a crowd-pleasing meal in just 15 minutes. Whether you're preparing a quick weekday dinner or the base for an elegant Italian feast, this easy pasta-cooking guide will be your go-to resource.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- 4 liters Water
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water per 400 grams of pasta to ensure the pasta has enough room to move and cook evenly.
Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Once the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt. This will season the pasta as it cooks and enhance its flavor.
Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil if you want to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir the water briefly.
Carefully add the 400 grams of pasta to the boiling water. Use a wooden spoon or tongs to stir for the first 30 seconds to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for the recommended al dente texture, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the cooking time ends to check for doneness. It should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente).
Once cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and carefully pour the pasta into a colander to drain the water. Do not rinse the pasta unless specified in your recipe, as rinsing removes the surface starch that helps sauces adhere.
Transfer the drained pasta to a large serving bowl or plate. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, toppings, and garnishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.2 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7205 mg | 313% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.4 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 23.1 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 177 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
