How to Boil Pasta: Tips and Warnings

Pasta needs a lot of water to cook in order for it to cook evenly. Get a big pot and fill it up with 3/4 full of water.

Step 2

Place the pot on the stove and turn the stove to high heat

Step 3

When the water starts to boil add 1 to 2 tsp salt or butter, add according to the amount of pasta your making

Step 4

Add the pasta and stir it around in the pot

Step 5

Return water back to boil

Step 6

Depending on the pasta cook for as long as the package instructs, but don't rely on the package to give you the correct cooking time( it is only a guideline). Keep stirring occasionally so the pasta wont stick.

Step 7

To determine when the pasta is done, taste it at the earliest time indicated on the pasta package. You know it is done when the pasta is tender but still firm. If you see a ring of uncooked pasta in the center of the noodle cook it for a couple more minutes.

Step 8

When pasta is cooked , remove it from the stove and pour all the contents into a colander in the sink.

Step 9

Shake off all excess water

Step 10

If desired put in a few drops of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking unless if you are mixing sauce with the pasta then you don't need to.

Tips and Warnings

1. The salt / butter adds taste to the pasta
2.Check the package directions to determine serving sizes since different sizes and shapes of pasta make different amounts when cooked.
3.The steam from draining the pasta can burn you so stand away from it while draining.
4.Don't break the pasta to fit the pot, use a spoon to bend it as it cooks
5.Never combine two types or sizes of pasta in the same pot of water. Fishing out the type that is done first is a real nuisance
6.Save a cup of the cooking liquid when the pasta is done. You can use some of the liquid to add moisture to the sauce. The starch in the water binds the sauce, helping it adhere to the pasta
7. Do not trust a packaged pasta just because it has an Italian name. Check that the package reads "Made in Italy".
8.The best pasta is made of 100% semolina (the label will say durum - wheat semolina or semolia)
9.REMEMBER - Pasta will continue to cook and soften even after it has been taken from the water.