How to Cook Pasta Like an Italian

The foundation for any great pasta dish is well cooked pasta. Not even the greatest sauce will save badly cooked pasta. Now, my father says that great pasta cooking is in the blood--Italian blood, that is! But with these pointers even non-Italians will be able to cook good pasta.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pasta
• Water
• Pot
• Salt
• Spaghetti fork or other utensil

1. Choose a good pot with an even heating surface. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Make sure the pot will contain the water and pasta. You do not want the water to overspill.
2. Place pasta in boiling water. If cooking spaghetti, break it half before placing in pot. Make sure there is enough water to cover the pasta in the pot. The pasta will burn if there is not enough water! Add a pinch of salt to the boiling pasta.
3. Follow the instructions regarding the cooking time. Tend to the pasta to make sure you do not overcook it. You will also want to stir the pasta so it does not stick together.
4. Do not rely strictly on the indicated cook times. Start testing the pasta within a few minutes of the indicated cook time.
5. Shut off the heat when the pasta is just a little bit firm to the bite.
   Great pasta is served al dente! Drain the pasta. Add the sauce or toppings. Manga!

Tips & Warnings

• Buy good pasta. I recommend Barilla.
• Make sure the pot will contain the water and pasta. You do not want the water to overspill.
• Pasta should be cooked right before it is served.
• Never leave pasta in the pot of hot water for more than a few minutes. It will continue to absorb the water. You will end up with overcooked and mushy pasta.
• Use potholders when handling hot pots, strainers and utensils.