The Do's & Don'ts to Perfect Pasta

Do use lots of water:  the ideal amount is 4 – 6 qt. per lb. of pasta.  This allows the pasta enough room to cook w/o sticking together.

Don’t add oil:  if you have enough water, you won’t need to add oil to prevent sticking.

Do add salt for flavor:  but not too much; remember that your sauce will also add flavor.

Do stir pasta:  when you first add it to the water to prevent it from sticking together & to the bottom of the pot.

Don’t throw noodles against the wall:  instead, use the cooking time on the package as a guide, then try a piece to see if it’s the right texture.  Italians like their pasta “al dente” [which translates as “to the tooth’ and basically means a little chewy], but you might like it softer.

Don’t rinse cooked pasta:  you’ll rinse away the starch, which actually helps the sauce stick.  Only rinse pasta if it will be sued cold, as in a salad.

New Ways W/ Pasta

Time for fresh:  if you’re looking to make a really quick meal, ready-made fresh pasta, like DiGiorno, is the way to go – it cooks in just 3 – 4 min. [make sure to follow package directions & don’t overcook, or it’ll be mushy].   & from linguine to ravioli, fresh pasta is readily available & is also a simple way to take a dish from everyday to special.

Colorful Twists:  why not add a hit of color to dinner tonight?  Green & orange pastas made w/ vegetables like spinach or red peppers add great interest to the plate.

Whole grain varieties:  if you want to add some whole grains to your diet, whole wheat pasta is a delicious option that’s available in almost all types from spaghetti to penne.