How to cook pasta

Fill a large saucepan with water, cover it with a lid, and set the heat to high. Bring the water to a boil, then add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavour of the pasta.

Once the water is boiling, carefully remove the lid and add the pasta; stir it immediately to prevent it from sticking together.

Continue stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping.

Check the packaging for the recommended cook time, as it varies depending on the type of pasta.

Taste the pasta a minute or two before the end of the suggested cook time. It should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Avoid overcooking, as the pasta shouldn’t be mushy or too soft.

Do not rinse the pasta after draining, as rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

If the recipe calls for reserved pasta water to add to the sauce, use a soup ladle or mug with a handle to carefully scoop the required amount before draining. Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into a strainer to drain the pasta.

Safety tips:

• Be careful when removing the saucepan lid, as hot steam can cause burns.
• Open the lid away from you to avoid direct contact with the steam.
• When draining the pasta, ensure the strainer is stable and placed over the sink, pour the water away from yourself to prevent steam burns and splashes.