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CookMatey

Cooking guide

How to Cook Pasta

Big pot, plenty of salt, and why you should always save a cup of pasta water.

  • 3 min read
  • 5 steps
  • Easy
Bowl of bow-tie pasta with tomatoes and greens

Perfect pasta is all about generous, well-salted boiling water and tasting as you go. The starchy cooking water is a secret ingredient that helps sauces cling to every piece.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Use a big pot

    Bring at least 4 litres of water to a rolling boil for 400 g of pasta.

  2. Step 2: Salt the water

    Add 1 tablespoon of salt once the water is boiling. It should taste lightly salty.

  3. Step 3: Stir early

    Add the pasta and stir for the first minute to stop it sticking together.

  4. Step 4: Taste for doneness

    Start tasting 2 minutes before the packet time. It should be tender with a slight bite (al dente).

  5. Step 5: Save some water

    Scoop out a cup of cooking water before draining. Add a splash when tossing with sauce.

    Tip: Never rinse pasta for hot dishes — it washes off the starch that helps sauce stick.

Put it into practice