Perfectly Cooked Dried Pasta
Mastering the art of cooking dried pasta ensures a delicious base for countless dishes. This straightforward guide will help you achieve al dente pasta every time, providing a blank canvas for your favorite sauces. With just dried pasta, water, and salt, you can make a perfect meal staple in minutes.
Ingredients 3
400 g dried pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
4 l water
1 tbsp salt
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Method 8
Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Add the to the and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste a piece of a minute or two before the indicated time. The pasta should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (‘al dente’).
Once cooked, turn off the heat. Reserve some pasta water if desired for sauce.
Drain the in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water.
Serve immediately with your chosen sauce, or as desired.
Helpful tips
Use plenty of water so the pasta has enough space to cook evenly.
Stirring during the first few minutes of cooking helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Don’t rinse pasta after draining, unless you’re using it in a cold salad, as rinsing removes starch that helps sauces adhere.
