Spotlight Series: All About Cooking The Perfect Pasta (Easy Instructions, Tips, And Video)

How to cook pasta perfectly in 7 easy steps

Cooking the perfect pasta doesn't have to be a chore! Here are 7 friendly and easy steps to get you twirling your fork in no time:

1. Boil Water in a Large Pot: Start with a large pot of water, giving your pasta plenty of room to move around. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures it cooks evenly.

2. Salt the Water: Once your water is boiling, add a good pinch of salt. This doesn’t just season the pasta, but also enhances the flavor of your noodles.

3. Add the Dried Pasta and Stir: Toss in your pasta and give it a good stir. This initial stir is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

4. Check the Pasta for the ‘Al Dente’ Moment: Keep tasting your pasta as it cooks. You're aiming for 'al dente', which means it should be tender but still have a slight chew to it.

5. Scoop Out 1 Cup of Pasta Cooking Water: Before you drain the pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is a secret ingredient to making your sauce cling perfectly to your pasta.

6. Drain and Do Not Rinse: Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, drain it but don’t rinse it. Rinsing can wash away some of the delicious starches that help sauce adhere to the pasta.

7. Toss with Favorite Sauce: Immediately toss your hot pasta with your favorite sauce and mix well. The retained heat and starch help to absorb and amalgamate your sauce beautifully.

Cooking the Perfect Pasta: FAQ

What does ‘al dente’ mean?

"Al dente" is a cool Italian term used to describe the ideal texture of cooked pasta. It literally means "to the tooth" in Italian. When pasta is cooked al dente, it's firm to the bite, which means it's tender but still has a bit of a chew to it. Not too soft, not too hard – just right to give you a nice little chew when you eat it. This way, the pasta holds up better with sauces and makes your meal even more delicious.

How do I know when pasta is al dente? What does it taste like?

To check if your pasta is al dente, the best way is to taste it. Start checking it a couple of minutes before the time suggested on the package. When you bite into it, if the pasta is al dente, it will have a slight resistance in the center, but it shouldn’t feel hard or uncooked.

Al dente pasta is not crunchy, but it’s not entirely soft or overly floppy either. If the pasta is too soft, it can feel mushy and may lose some of its lovely texture that holds onto sauces so beautifully.

Remember, pasta continues to cook a little bit even after it's removed from the water, especially if it's mixed with hot sauce. So, when you're aiming for that perfect al dente texture, it's wise to drain it just before it reaches the ideal firmness.

Is al dente fully cooked?

"Al dente" is actually a term used to describe pasta that is fully cooked but still firm to the bite. It's not as soft as fully cooked pasta that's been left to boil for a longer time. So yes, al dente pasta is fully cooked, but it's done in a way that retains a bit of firmness, giving it a nice texture that many people prefer, especially in Italian cooking.

Do I really need this much water?

It might seem like recipes always call for a ton of water, but there's a reason for that. Using plenty of water helps to keep the pasta from sticking together because it can move around freely and it also helps maintain a consistent boiling temperature, which is essential for even cooking.

My water is barely boiling, not rapidly. Can I add the pasta now?

If your water is just starting to boil but isn't quite at a rapid boil yet, it's best to wait a couple more minutes until it's really bubbling vigorously. Adding pasta too soon can cause it to cook unevenly or stick together. Hold off just a bit longer to get that perfect al dente texture.

Can I just salt my pasta after I cook it?

You can definitely sprinkle some salt on your pasta after cooking it, but for the best flavor, it’s a great idea to salt the water before you boil the pasta. Adding salt to the boiling water helps to season the pasta evenly and brings out its natural flavors. If you've already cooked the pasta and find it a bit bland, a pinch of salt can help, but salting the water from the start usually gives a tastier result.

Can’t I add oil so the pasta doesn’t stick?

While this can prevent sticking, it is not a good idea. Pasta that is cooked in oily water will become oily itself, and as a result, the sauce slides off and doesn’t get absorbed. This is how you end up with flavorless pasta. If you are making pasta ahead of time, or making pasta to include in a pasta salad, you can drizzle a little oil once it is drained. This will help prevent it from sticking together.

Can I cook pasta in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook pasta in the microwave! It's a super quick and convenient method when you’re short on time or don't want to deal with pots and pans. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Choose Your Pasta: Any type will work, from spaghetti to penne, or even macaroni.
2. Microwave-Safe Bowl: Grab a large microwave-safe bowl. The pasta will need room to expand and move around, so make sure there's plenty of space.
3. Water: Fill the bowl with water, enough to completely cover the pasta plus a little extra to account for absorption and evaporation. A good rule of thumb is to use about 2 cups of water for every half-cup of pasta.
4. Cooking Time: First, microwave the water until it’s boiling (usually about 4-5 minutes, but this might vary depending on your microwave). Carefully add the pasta to the boiling water. Return it to the microwave and cook on high power. The general cooking time is about the same as listed on the pasta’s package instructions, but cut this time in half, checking the pasta every 4-5 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.
5. Stir: Don’t forget to stir the pasta occasionally throughout the cooking process. This helps to keep the pasta from sticking together and ensures that it cooks evenly.
6. Drain and Enjoy: Once the pasta is done, carefully drain the water (watch out for steam!), and it’s ready to be mixed with your favorite sauce, cheese, or seasoning.

How do I store cooked pasta?

Storing cooked pasta is super easy and a great way to prep ahead for meals.

1. Cool it down: After cooking, drain your pasta well and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes extra starch.
2. Add a little oil: Toss the pasta with a splash of olive oil or a little bit of butter. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.
3. Choose the right container: Store your pasta in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure it’s covered to avoid the pasta drying out.
4. Keep it refrigerated: Pop the container in the fridge. Cooked pasta can last 3 to 5 days when properly stored.
5. Reheat gently: When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat your pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a touch of water or sauce to keep it from drying out. You can also warm it in the microwave — just sprinkle some water over the top and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel.

Can I freeze cooked pasta?

Freezing cooked pasta is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just make sure to cook it al dente, so it doesn't become too soft when you reheat it. After draining, toss it with a little bit of oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or zip-top bag. It should last for about 1-2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, you can reheat the pasta directly from the freezer into boiling water or microwave it with a splash of water.

How is cooking pasta for salads different?

Cooking pasta for salads is a bit different from preparing it for hot dishes, and knowing these small tweaks can really make your salad stand out! Here’s how you can ace it:

1. Choose the Right Pasta: For salads, you want pasta shapes that can easily hold onto dressings and small salad ingredients. Shapes like fusilli, cavatappi, penne, or farfalle (bow ties) are perfect choices.
2. Cooking Al Dente: This is crucial! When you cook pasta for a salad, aim for it to be al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. This helps the pasta hold up better, especially since it will soak up some dressing. Usually, this means cooking the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package’s instructions for fully cooked pasta.
3. Rinse with Cold Water: Unlike pasta for hot dishes, you’ll want to rinse your pasta under cold water after draining it. This stops the cooking process immediately and keeps it from getting mushy. Plus, it cools down the pasta quickly, making it ready to mix with other salad ingredients.
4. Toss with a Bit of Oil: After rinsing, toss the pasta lightly with a little olive oil or the dressing you’ll be using. This light coating helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and also starts to introduce some flavor right away.
5. Mix at the Right Time: If you’re not serving the salad immediately, consider mixing in the dressing and other moisture-releasing ingredients (like tomatoes) closer to serving time. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soggy.

Where can I buy DeLallo pasta?

Order DeLallo Artisan, Italian, Whole Wheat, Organic or Gluten Free Pasta online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.