How to Cook With a Pasta Pan
A pasta pan is a two-part pan that is deep enough to allow enough water for the pasta to cook. The upper portion of the pot doubles as a colander to strain the pasta after it has cooked. Using a pasta pan to prepare pasta makes the task effortless and reduces the risk of burning yourself when you drain the pasta in a separate colander in the sink. Pasta pans can also be used for other kitchen tasks, making the pot a worthwhile investment for your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cooking Pasta
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1
Place the inner pot inside the outer pan and fill with water. Keep the water level several inches below the lip of the outer pan to reduce spillover. Bring to a boil.
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2
Place the desired amount of pasta in the pan and cook for the recommended amount of time, stirring once or twice to keep the pasta from sticking together.
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3
Test the pasta for doneness after the allotted time has passed. Most pasta is cooked al dente, meaning that your teeth still have to bite though the noodle and it is not completely soft.
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4
Use pot holders or oven mitts to lift the inner unit above the lower unit by pulling straight up on both handles of the pot.
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5
Allow the water to drain from the inner unit back into the lower pan. The pasta is then ready to serve or to mix with your favorite sauce.
Other Uses of a Pasta Pan
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6
Blanche vegetables before freezing to help them retain their color. Cook the vegetables for approximately three minutes in boiling water, drain and freeze.
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7
Steam vegetables, shrimp and scallops in the pasta pan. Place an inch or two of water in the bottom pan and your vegetables in the upper pot. Bring the water to a boil, and keep it covered until the food is done cooking.
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8
Use the pasta pan to boil potatoes or corn on the cob. The strainer makes it simple to drain either vegetable.
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Tips & Warnings
A type of pasta pan is on the market that allows you to cook the pasta and the sauce in the same pan. It is manufactured by the Alessi Company, founded by Alberto Alessi. While some models of pasta pots have what is known as "stay cool" handles, they can still get warm and hot pads or oven mitts should be used. Pasta pans can be purchased at most stores that sell cookware.
