How to Cook Pasta Without Boiling Over

Read on to learn the steps to take to prevent your pasta water from boiling over--and know when your pasta is cooked.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Stockpot ¾ Full of Water
• Pasta
• Salt
• 1-2 Teaspoons Olive or Canola Oil

How to Cook Pasta the Right Way Without Boiling Over

1. Place Stockpot with Water onto the stove, set burner on high.
2. While waiting for water to boil, sprinkle ½ to 1 teaspoon salt into the water.
3. Once the water has begun boiling, add the oil. The oil is the secret to keeping the water from boiling over the stockpot, and keeping your pasta cooking at a high boiling temperature. Pasta should be started in a boiling pot, and ended as quickly as possible in a boiling pot to preserve the flavor of the pasta itself.
4. When the water comes to a full boil, add your pasta, and stir it into the water. This will help coat the pasta with oil so it doesn’t stick to the pan, and cook the pasta, but not lose it’s flavor into the water.
5. There are a few ways to know when your pasta is Aldente’ (“to the bite” in Italian). One, take a piece and throw it against a wall--if it sticks, it’s done. Two, take a piece out--do a “taste test”--that’s Dad’s favorite thing to do! Three, when the pasta starts releasing its starches, the water becomes cloudy or milky white--your pasta is done!
6. Strain the pasta, do not rinse in water, add your favorite sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep stirring the pasta every few minutes while boiling, this helps separate any stuck noodles and evens out the cooking.
• If you rinse your pasta in water after boiling, you are losing flavor, and adding tons of water to your sauce--so if you don’t want your sauce ruined by water--do not rinse!