Cooking Pasta is the most easiest thing to do, as we just need to boil it and it is done! But, not quite right! There is a perfect way to cook your Pasta right – the ‘Al Dente’ way! Al Dente refers to Pasta (or rice) that is cooked to be firm to the bite instead to too soft. ‘Al dente’ stands for ‘to the tooth’ in Italian and your tooth should feel the bite of it.
When you bite into it, if your teeth feels some resistance and yet the Pasta is tender – then you have got a perfectly cooked ‘Al Dente’ Pasta!
Cooking Pasta needs a lot of water. Don’t skimp on it! You should use at least 4-5 liters of Water for every 2 cups of Pasta. Next, you shouldn’t skimp on the Salt as well. The salt water is what gives a good taste to the Pasta and at least 1.5 Tablespoons of Salt for every 4-5 liters of water is a must!
Go through our recipe below to cook the perfect Pasta and let us know how it turns out!
Check out our delicious, cheesy ‘White Sauce Pasta‘ recipe here!
We are sure you would love it!
How to boil Pasta perfectly
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander/ Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta (Fusilli or Penne) (usually same for any kind of Pasta)
- 4 litres Water
- 1.5 tbsp Salt
Instructions
- Take a large pot that is roomy enough for the Pasta to move around. It should be enough to hold the water suggested and still have about 20% free space on top.
- Fill the water into the pot and add the Salt. The water is supposed to be salty and will not affect the final saltiness of the Pasta.
- Bring the water to a boil. Putting a lid on it will speed up the water to reach boiling point.
- Add the Pasta to the boiling water. The Pasta will cool down the water and wait for the water to boil again.
- Once the water is boiling, put the flame on medium and keep stirring the Pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. You would have to occasionally remove a small piece and bite it to check the cooking process. (Remember to let it cool though, before you take a bite!)
- The Pasta is cooked when it does not have a crunch to it at the center and is not chewy and it has just lost the rawness inside when you take a bite. Don't let it get over-cooked. This should take you about 6-7 minutes only.
- Take a Colander and drain the Pasta. Toss the Pasta into your Sauce or use for your other recipes.
Notes
- It is always good to have loads of water to cook the Pasta and a large pot.
- Putting a lid on the boiling pot will make the water boil faster.
- When draining the Pasta, you can save a little of the drained water and can be used in cooking your Pasta sauce instead of normal water. This gives it a better flavor to your Pasta and also thins your sauce if it gets too thick.
- Cooking times might vary depending on the type of Pasta and the cooking time provided on the Pasta pack will guide you to a proper cooking time.
- Oil is not really required to prevent the Pasta from sticking together and may prevent the Sauces to bind to the Pasta properly. However, ensure that you are stirring the Pasta enough to prevent it from sticking.
- Don't rinse the Pasta after cooking. This is not required. In fact, the Pasta starch helps the sauce to bind to the Pasta perfectly.