Are you a pasta lover? If yes, then you would definitely want to cook pasta that tastes as good as that at your favorite Italian restaurant. But, making perfect pasta at home can be a bit tricky. Lucky for you, this guide will reveal the 4 tricks every chef knows to cook perfect pasta.
Chef trick #1: Salt the water
The first trick to achieve perfectly cooked pasta is to salt the water. It might seem unnecessary, but adding enough salt to your pasta water can make a huge difference. It's common practice among chefs and Italians alike because it gives the pasta itself more flavor. The general rule of thumb is to add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt to every 4 quarts of water.
Chef trick #2: Use plenty of water
Another important trick is to use sufficient water when cooking pasta. The reason behind this is that pasta needs plenty of room to move freely in the boiling water, otherwise, it can stick together. So, don't be tempted to skimp on water - it's better to use too much than too little.
Chef trick #3: Don't rinse your pasta (unless you're making a cold pasta salad)
Most of us are guilty of rinsing pasta after cooking, but this is a major no-no in the chef world. When you rinse pasta, you wash away all the lovely starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. The only time it's acceptable to rinse pasta is if you're making a cold pasta salad.
Chef trick #4: Save some pasta water
This is one trick that often gets overlooked. Before draining your pasta, be sure to save a cup or two of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce. It can make it smoother, richer, and help it adhere better to the pasta.
There you have it! The 4 tricks every chef knows to cook perfect pasta. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if your pasta doesn't turn out perfect the first time. With these tips in your back pocket, you'll be on your way to pasta perfection in no time.
