Cooking Skills

How to cook pasta perfectly

A person holding a cup of pasta pouring it into a pot of water

Knowing how to cook pasta perfectly is a great kitchen skill that makes everyday meals easier and more delicious. From adding the right amount of salt, to keeping your pasta from clumping together, this simple method guides you to perfectly cooked pasta every time. Get ready for tasty, tender pasta that’s ready to soak up any sauce.

Method

Step 1

Fill a large saucepan or pot with water, cover with a lid and pop the heat on high. Bring to boil. Add around pinch of salt to the water.

Step 2

When the water is vigorously boiling, add the pasta and stir it into the water.

A person holding a cup of pasta over a pot of water

Step 3

Try not to let the strands clump together.

A person holding a cup of pasta pouring it into a pot of water

Step 4

The cook time depends on the pasta, so read the packaging for cook time.

Step 5

It shouldn’t be crunchy nor should it be mushy and soft.

Step 6

Don’t rinse pasta when it’s finished cooking, otherwise it won’t bind to the sauce as well.

A person holding a cup of pot of cooked pasta over a sink

Step 7

Pour out the saucepan contents through the strainer to drain the pasta.

Cooked pasta in a strainer