Description
Whether you’re head-over-heels for all things Italian or you simply love pasta for its quickness, versatility, & affordability, there are a few simple tips & tricks that will take your at-home pasta nights to the next level. Learn how to cook pasta perfectly – every single time! – & be sure to check out the Blog Post, above, for more tips & tricks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1/2 – 1 cup pasta sauce of choice
- kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
- optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- for serving, as desired: grated parmesan or pecorino romano, finely chopped basil or parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, etc.
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water. As a general rule of thumb, use 3-4 quarts of water & 1-1 1/2 tablespoons salt per pound of pasta. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Just before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside – do not rinse the pasta. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="22506,22503,22513,22514"]
- Simmer the sauce: Meanwhile, as the pasta boils, heat your pasta sauce of choice in a large skillet – either use your favorite pre-made sauce or follow Recipe Directions of the specific pasta dish you’re making. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 1/2 cups of tomato-based sauces per pound of pasta or 1 cup of oil-based sauces per pound of pasta. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat until you’re ready to add the pasta. [gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="22516"]
- Finish the pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat with the simmering pasta sauce. Cook, stirring & tossing occasionally, over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to meld with & absorb some of the sauce. Adjust as needed so the pasta sauce evenly coats the pasta – if the mixture is too thick, toss in a little reserved pasta water; if the mixture is too loose, increase the heat or toss in an extra handful of parmesan cheese, etc. Remove from the heat & serve immediately. Enjoy! [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="22523,22524"] [gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="22522"]