Cooking Essentials
The Technique
Pasta
Pasta is one of those comfort foods we just can’t seem to get enough of. Spaghetti topped with a rich bolognese is a satisfying solution for a crowd-pleasing family style supper. If indulgence beckons, toss a pound of cooked elbow or cellentani with a rich mornay sauce for the best macaroni & cheese ever. Cold pasta salads hold a place card on lovely spring tables as they can be prepared ahead & quickly pulled from the refrigerator just before serving. Garden vegetables & freshly snipped herbs tossed with a lovely vinaigrette can transform penne, rotini or farfalle instantly into a versatile main dish.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
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How To Cook Pasta
Pasta shapes & styles are designed specifically for the type of sauce that will be used in the final dish. The ridges on some varieties allow them to cling to the noodles providing optimum flavor. It isn’t difficult to prepare that perfect batch of pasta & I’ve taken the guess work out of it for you. The instructions for cooking pasta are relatively simple if you heed directions. You’ll get a pleasing flavor, texture & bite each time no matter the pasta shape. Follow my tips to prepare your best pasta to date.
The Technique
Fill a stock pot or Dutch oven with 4 quarts of water. Season the water with 1/2 to 1 tsp kosher salt. Take into consideration the type of sauce that will be tossed with the pasta. Do not skip this step as the noodles will taste bland. Do not add oil to the pasta water as the sauces will not cling effectively. Bring the water to a rolling boil over High heat. Add 1 pound of pasta to the water. Cook uncovered & stir occasionally. Use the guide below according to the pasta style & set the timer. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a large colander. Immediately toss into hot sauces. Run under cold tap water to stop the cooking process for cold pasta preparation.
The Essential Pasta Guide
When it comes down to making the perfect al dente pasta, timing is everything.
Follow these cook times for 1 pound of dry noodles.
Angel Hair
Cook time: 4 minutes
A delicate choice, pair this lovely noodle with light sauces.
Spaghetti
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Tomato based sauces with meat or vegetables are a classic choice.
Simple garlic infused butter or oil-based sauces work well too for a favorite.
Linguini
Cook Time: 9 minutes
The ideal solution for a garden full of fresh basil.
Prepare a simple pesto to pair with this noodle for a fast, fresh meal.
Fettuccini
Cook Time: 12 minutes
A classic Alfredo sauce is an ideal pairing for this popular choice.
You can also try a rich tomato based sauce, too.
Elbow
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Macaroni & cheese love.
Tossed with a rich mornay, you simply cannot go wrong.
Toss into soup for a hearty addition.
Rotini
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Try with dairy or tomato based sauces.
An excellent choice for cold salad preparation.
Penne
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Great with tomato or dairy based sauces.
Toss in chunky vegetables, chicken or shrimp for a delicious meal solution.
Cellentani
Cook Time: 11 minutes
A great choice for mac & cheese to change it up a bit.
Try with light tomato sauces as well.
Ziti
Cook Time: 9 minutes
The perfect pasta for Classic Baked Ziti. The noodles come with or without ridges.
Use the lower cooking time since the dish will be baked & cooked further.
Farfalle
Cook Time: 11 minutes
A versatile noodle.
Try in beautiful & bright pasta salads or toss with light sauces.
The Tune
“Il Viaggio a Reims” Gioachino Rossini
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