Pasta is a quick and easy dinner fix, but to get perfect noodles it takes more than just boiling water. Luckily, with a few simple tips you're guaranteed great noodles every time. Like any good meal, a great pasta dinner is a premeditated one. Make sure to pick noodles which compliment your signature sauce; long noodles work best with smooth sauces, while chunky sauces should be served with a spiral or shaped noodle that has nooks for the sauce to cling to. As always, the better the quality the better the taste, s o look for pasta made with 100% durum semolina flour.
Once in the kitchen, make sure you select a large pot to cook the pasta in-- even if you're only cooking for one. This ensures that enough water can be added, about one quart of water per three ounces of pasta, too many noodles in too little water causes the temperature to drop which leads to sticky noodles. Using olive oil to keep noodles from becoming sticky is not advised, it can cause noodles to feel slick and creates a barrier that keeps the sauce from sinking into the pasta. When the water gets to a rolling boil, it's time to add the salt.
This helps pasta from obtaining a slimy texture-- the general rule is two teaspoons of salt for each quart of water. However, since you more than likely filled your pot from the tap, just add enough salt so that you can taste it by taking a small sip. Stir the water to help the salt dissolves completely and make sure the water is bubbling again before adding the noodles. As soon as the noodles hit the water, give them a good stir and continue to stir occasionally. Most cooking times on the back of pasta boxes are unreliable, so to avoid over or under cooking taste your noodles often, the only sure fire way of getting the texture you desire. While the noodles are on, get a large bowl ready to dress the pasta in.
Quick, you've tested the noodles and they're just how you like them, get that pasta out of the pot and into the colander! Give the colander a good shake to get the excess water off. Never rinse your noodles, not only does it cool them off, but it keeps the sauce from clinging to the pasta. Once the pasta is drained of excess water, pour it in the large bowl you set aside and mix with your sauce-this allows for an even coating of sauce on everyone's pasta. Now serve that pasta while its piping hot, no one likes cold noodles. Enjoy!
