Tips for Cooking Pasta
Source of Recipe
Betty Criocker
List of Ingredients
Follow these guidelines to ensure the very best results when cooking pasta:
Use at least 1 quart (4 cups) water for every 4 ounces of pasta.
Salt isn't necessary for cooking, but it does enhance the flavor. As a guide, use 1/2 teaspoon salt for every 8 ounces of pasta.
Be sure the water is boiling vigorously before adding the pasta, which helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together as soon as it's put in.
Always cook pasta at a fast and continuous boil for even cooking, and stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking. Leave the cover off, too.
Do not rinse pasta after draining or sauces will not cling to the pasta. Rinse only when pasta will be used in a cold salad.
If using the pasta in a baked dish or casserole, slightly undercook the pasta. While the pasta bakes in the oven, it will become more tender as it soaks up the sauce.
Taste the pasta to tell if it's done. Perfectly cooked pasta should be al dente, meaning tender but firm to the bite, without any raw flavor.
You'll find cooking directions right on pasta packages, but if you need a quick reference, the Timetable for Cooking Pasta gives you approximate cooking times for common types and shapes of pasta.
Recipe
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