How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Every Time

Learn the foolproof method for cooking pasta with the right texture and flavor every single time.

1. Use the Right Amount of Water. Fill a large pot with plenty of water - about 4 to 6 quarts for every pound of pasta. This gives the pasta room to move around freely and prevents it from sticking together. A cramped pot leads to gummy, clumped pasta that nobody enjoys.
2. Salt the Water Generously. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water once it reaches a rolling boil. The water should taste like mild seawater. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don't skip this step. Add the salt after the water boils to prevent it from taking longer to heat up.
3. Add Pasta at the Right Time. Wait until the water reaches a full, vigorous boil before adding your pasta. Add all the pasta at once and give it a good stir immediately to prevent sticking. Don't add oil to the water - it's unnecessary and can prevent sauce from sticking to your pasta later.
4. Time It Right. Follow the package directions as a starting point, but start testing the pasta 1-2 minutes before the recommended time. Perfect pasta should be al dente - tender but still have a slight bite when you chew it. It should not be mushy or crunchy.
5. Save Pasta Water Before Draining. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water in a measuring cup or mug. This liquid gold helps bind sauce to pasta and can rescue a dish that seems too dry. The starch acts like a natural thickener.
6. Drain and Serve Immediately. Drain the pasta in a colander, but don't rinse it unless you're making a cold pasta salad. The surface starch helps sauce cling better. Return the pasta to the pot or add it directly to your sauce. If you're not saucing immediately, toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.