How To Cook Pasta

Cooking pasta starts with using a large pot. If the pot is too small, and you don’t cook the pasta in enough water, the pasta will stick together. It takes about 6 quarts of water to cook one pound of dry pasta. Fill the pot 3/4 full with cold water, cover and bring to a rolling boil. Once the water begins to boil, add 2 tablespoons of coarse salt for every pound of pasta. Don’t worry. Much of the salt will drain off with the water.

Add pasta to the boiling water. Keep the stove set at high heat to get the water boiling again. Stir the pasta gently during the first couple of minutes of cooking to keep it from sticking together. Continue to cook the pasta uncovered. How long to cook pasta varies with the thickness and shape of the pasta. Some types take longer to cook than others. 

 

Cook for at least 4 minutes and then watch the pot carefully, as pasta does not take long to overcook. Pasta is done when it is tender yet still firm. Most pastas cook within 10 minutes after the water returns to a boil.