How to Boil Dried Pasta

To prepare perfectly boiled pasta, the first steps are essential. Start by filling a large pot with water, using an amount five times greater than that of the pasta you want to cook. For example, if you have 100 grams of pasta, you should use 500 grams of water. Add salt to the water, keeping in mind that the standard is about 10 grams of salt for each liter of water. However, if the sauce you intend to use is already salty, such as those with anchovies or olives, it is advisable to reduce the amount of salt. Experts suggest using a pot of at least 6 liters, filled to ¾ with water, to boil between 450 and 500 grams of dry pasta.

Once the water starts to boil vigorously, add the pasta and stir constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking together. Lower the heat to maintain a constant boiling temperature without letting the water boil excessively. The boiling time varies depending on the type of pasta, so it is important to check their consistency.

To do this, take a piece of pasta out of the water, rinse it quickly in cold water, and taste it. The ideal pasta should be firm but not hard, with a pleasant texture when chewed. The color in the cross-section should be uniform, without white areas. If you want the pasta 'al dente', it should be slightly soft but with a whiter central area. If they have not reached this consistency, let them boil for another minute or two and test again.

After the pasta is cooked, it is important to keep a small amount of the water in which it boiled (about 1-2 ladles). Drain the pasta using a colander, ensuring that they remain slightly moist. If you notice that the pasta is too dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved water to give it a better consistency and enhance the flavor. This water contains starch and will help bind the pasta with the desired sauce.

To achieve a delicious final dish, serve the pasta immediately, mixing it with your preferred sauce. This will ensure that each serving is full of flavor and texture, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.