Mastering Pasta

 

Pasta is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug—comforting, versatile, and universally loved. Whether you’re a pasta pro or a newbie, these five tips will help you cook up pasta perfection every time. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive in! And if you want to see these tips in action, join us for pasta and wine night every Tuesday!

Use Plenty of Water

For pasta that doesn’t stick, use 4 cups of water per 250 grams of pasta. Boil it vigorously and don’t skimp on the salt!

Cook Al Dente

Perfect pasta should be firm to the bite. Start tasting two minutes before the package time ends for that perfect al dente texture.

Reserve Pasta Water

Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy magic thickens your sauce and helps it stick to your pasta.

Don’t Over-Sauce

Less is more! Lightly coat your pasta and let it cook with the sauce for a minute. This “marriage” makes flavors pop without drowning your noodles.

Serve Hot and Fresh

Pasta is at its best when it’s hot. Serve immediately, or keep warm on low heat, but avoid letting it sit too long to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Armed with these pasta tips, it’s time to put them to delicious use with a foolproof recipe. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the ultimate Italian classic, spotlighting your perfectly cooked pasta and a handful of top-notch ingredients. It’s an easy way to show off your pasta prowess while keeping things elegantly simple.

Here’s how to whip it up:

Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

 
 

Ingredients

340g spaghetti

1/2 cup olive oil

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 cup reserved pasta water

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until golden (watch it closely!), add red pepper flakes, and toss in the pasta with reserved water.

  3. Finish and Serve: Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you like.

TOM’S Tips:

  • Serve pasta immediately for peak flavor.

  • Use reserved water to get the sauce just right.

  • Don’t over-sauce; let the garlic and oil do the talking.

 
THOMAS NEWFIELD