Are You Adding Salt to Your Pasta Water? Pasta Tips You Can’t Forget

Pasta is one of the easiest meals to prepare. However, it takes a bit more care than just boiling a pot of water and dropping in the pasta. There are different methods for making pasta - some add pasta into the pot of water after it’s placed on the stove, while others keep to the exact timing of each different pasta shape written on the bag or box. No matter the method, here are some tips on how to perfectly cook pasta!

Don’t Forget to Add Salt in the Water

When preparing pasta, you should always add salt to the pot of water before it comes to a boil. When you add salt to the water as the heat is rising the salt will dissolve quickly. The idea is to get the pasta water to taste salty, like the ocean. Adding salt to the water not only adds flavor but it helps cook the pasta to perfection. Salt raises the boiling point of water, making the pasta cook at a higher temperature. You’ll find that your pasta noodles come out with better consistency.  

Fill Your Pot with Hot Water

A secret hack for preparing pasta is filling your pot with hot water from your faucet instead of cold or room temperature. As you begin to boil the water will reach its boiling point faster and save energy. Hot water may fool you into adding in the pasta prematurely so many Italian chefs say to wait until the water is boiling to add in the pasta.  

Save Your Pasta Water

While you may be eager to completely drain your pasta water because it means you are that much closer to eating, it’s always important to save some of the starchy water. Known as “liquid gold” from Chef Lina Nicolai or “tears of the gods” from Nadia Munno, aka the Pasta Queen, adding some pasta water to your sauce allows all of the ingredients to be incorporated. Not only will it improve the taste of your pasta but it will also make the sauce more flavorful.