Equipment Needed

• large pot
• wooden spoon
• colander
• fork

Ingredients

• dried pasta
• salt
• water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water (at least 4 quarts per pound of pasta)
2. Bring water to a rolling boil
3. Add salt to the water (about 1-2 tablespoons per pound)
4. Once boiling again, add pasta and stir immediately
5. Continue stirring occasionally for first 2 minutes to prevent sticking
6. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-12 minutes
7. Taste for doneness at 1 minute before package time - should be firm but tender (al dente)
8. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
9. Drain pasta in colander but do NOT rinse
10. Return to pot with sauce immediately

Professional Tips

• Use plenty of water - pasta needs room to cook evenly
• Salt the water generously - this seasons the pasta itself
• Do NOT rinse after draining - the starch helps sauce adhere
• Al dente means 'to the tooth' - slightly firm, not mushy
• Save pasta water for sauce - starch helps it cling to noodles

What to Make

• pasta dishes
• soups
• salads
• baked pasta