5 Smart Tips for Cooking Better Pasta

Use a large pot

To cook pasta evenly and prevent sticking, use a large pot with plenty of water. The pasta needs room to move around as it cooks.

Salt the water generously

Season the cooking water with a generous amount of salt. This helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta itself.

Cook pasta al dente

Follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package, but make sure to taste the pasta a minute  The pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness to it.

Save pasta water

Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to your sauce to help bind it together and create a silky texture.

Finish cooking in the sauce

Instead of serving plain cooked pasta with sauce on top, consider finishing the cooking process in the sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce and creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

How to drink more water: 10 tips to help you stay hydrated

Watch next