A Better Way To Cook Pasta? | Techniquely with Lan Lam

Step-by-Step Tutorial: A Better Way to Cook Pasta

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore different methods of cooking pasta and creating delicious pasta dishes. We will break some traditional pasta cooking rules to see if we can achieve the perfect pasta texture and flavor.

Step 1: Boiling the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with four quarts of water.
2. Add one tablespoon of table salt to the water.
3. Bring the salted water to a rolling boil.
4. Add the pasta to the boiling water. You can break the rule of waiting for the water to boil before adding the pasta.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions or test for doneness by biting into it or cutting it to check for a tiny dot of uncooked dough at the center.
6. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta as it can be useful for adjusting the sauce later.

Step 2: Making Pasta Sauce

1. Choose a pasta sauce that complements the type of pasta you are using.
2. For a creamy sauce like Alfredo, consider using less water to create starchier pasta water that helps bind the sauce.
3. Cook the sauce ingredients in a skillet or Dutch oven until they are well combined and flavorful.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
5. Add cheese gradually to the sauce to thicken it and create a creamy texture.

Step 3: Experimenting with Different Cooking Methods

1. Consider using less water when boiling pasta for certain dishes like carbonara, aglio olio, or cacio pepe.
2. Try a cold start method for pasta dishes that require less water and have high-fat sauces like pesto.
3. Experiment with different types of pasta shapes and sauces to find the best cooking method for each combination.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

1. Gradually incorporate starchy pasta water into the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
2. Serve the pasta hot and garnish with additional cheese, herbs, or seasonings if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked pasta dish!

By following these steps and experimenting with different pasta cooking methods, you can create flavorful and well-textured pasta dishes that break traditional rules but deliver exceptional results.