Pasta is the ultimate culinary safety net. It’s a $2 lifesaver that will get dinner on the table in 15 minutes when you’re too tired to bother cooking.
But just because it’s a pantry staple doesn’t mean you should treat it as an afterthought. Most of the pasta-centric “rules” we’ve followed for decades are actually based on kitchen myths that do more harm than good. Result? Terrible pasta. And you know This is true.
If your sauce noodles keep slipping off the noodles or your cooking water resembles a failed chemistry project, you need a fresh approach. I’m clearing up the confusion and sharing how the pros handle pasta and a pot of boiling water.
I spoke with pasta pro Filippo De Marchi, a chef based in Venice, to understand how American home cooks continue to get the basics wrong and which so-called “pasta hacks” should be left behind.
That’s what he said.
1. Throw pasta at the wall to see if it sticks
Cooked pasta will indeed stick to the wall, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good way to tell if it’s done.
“It’s not a good way to test for doneness,” says de Marchi. “The texture of the paste may change when it hits the wall, and this does not give an accurate indication of whether it is cooked correctly.” Plus, you’ll likely end up splattering the wall with starchy noodle juice or watching it roll down the wall and fall. behind the stove.
Instead, dig out one strand and try it. You will then be able to determine if the ideal al dente texture has been achieved.
2. Adding precious olive oil to pasta water
Olive oil in water is not the best solution for sticky pasta.
According to de Marchi, one of the worst violations is the addition of expensive products. olive oil into the pasta water, thinking it would prevent the noodles from sticking. Olive oil is a necessary addition to most pasta dishes, but save it for the plate.
Some people think adding it to boiling pasta water will help prevent the pasta from sticking, but “the oil just floats on the surface of the water and doesn’t coat the pasta effectively,” says de Marchi. The best way to prevent sticking is to use plenty of water, stir the pasta regularly during the first few minutes of cooking, and make sure you’re using the right size pan for the amount of pasta you’re cooking.
“This gives the pasta enough space to move around and cook evenly,” he adds.
3. Leave the pan covered while the pasta cooks.
Stopping the pot from boiling can be as simple as placing a wooden spoon on top.
“It’s best to keep the pot lid off while the pasta is cooking,” says de Marchi. “This prevents the water from boiling over and helps control the cooking process. It also allows steam to escape, which helps prevent the water from foaming and creating a starchy mess.”
As recommended, also choose the right size pan to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
4. Add salt to make the water boil faster
Salt will not speed up the boiling time for pasta water.
Based on a recent discussion on Reddit, many people are unsure whether adding salt to pasta water makes a significant difference. The truth is that salt plays a vital role in pasta water, but not in terms of heating. (Impurities change the boiling point of water, but the amount of salt you add to pasta water doesn’t make a significant difference.) However, adding salt is necessary to allow the pasta to absorb its flavor.
“If you cook without enough salt, the pasta may taste bland,” warns de Marchi, whose specialty at NHC Murano Villa is spaghetti alle vongole. The seafood dish originates from the oceanside region of Venice and consists of vongole (usually shellfish), garlic, white wine and chili flakes, as well as sea asparagus and lemon zest.
5. Drain the pasta until it is dry.
Reserving some pasta water will help the sauce stick.
There’s a reason why salted water for pasta is held in such high esteem. Not only does it add a delicious brine to enhance sauces, but it also helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
“It makes the dish more cohesive and flavorful,” says de Marchi. “A little moisture can go a long way in making your pasta dish delicious.”
6. Run the cooked pasta under water
Rinsing pasta after cooking may not be the special trick we all thought it was.
If you want to avoid potential injury from the rolling pin or wooden spoon Nonna might use, rinse the cooked pasta with fresh water.
“This will help remove the starchy residue that helps the sauce stick to the pasta,” says de Marchi. “The residual heat from the pasta helps the sauce meld with the pasta, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Think of it like a perfect marriage—you want the sauce and pasta to come together and live happily ever after, not get a cold shower right before serving.”
7. Prepare lasagna sheets.
Not all lasagna recipes require precooked noodles.
“There’s no need to precook the lasagne sheets, especially if you use a fairly moist sauce,” he says. “In fact, many lasagne recipes call for using the sheets directly without pre-cooking, allowing them to absorb liquid from the sauce and cook during the baking process.”
Set it, forget it, and let the magic happen in the oven. Pasta is not something to think about or worry about. The ease of preparation makes it even more enjoyable.
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