NEWS MEDIA

February 28, 2002
Mary Lou Ihrke, Extension Educator Blue Earth County

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta!

Q. How do you cook pasta perfectly every time?

A. Boil 4 to 6 quarts of water for one pound of dry pasta. (You can divide this recipe depending on how much pasta you are cooking.)

• Add the pasta with a stir and return the water to a boil.

• Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking.

• Follow the package directions for cooking times. If the pasta is to be used as part of a dish that requires further cooking, undercook the pasta by 1/3 of the cooking time specified on the package.

• Taste the pasta to determine if it is done. Perfectly cooked pasta should be "al dente," or firm to the bite, yet cooked through.

• Drain pasta immediately and follow the rest of the recipe.

Q. Should I rinse the pasta after I drain it?

A. The only time you should rinse pasta after draining is when you are going to use it in a cold dish, or when you are not going to sauce and serve it immediately. In those cases, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain well.

Q. How do I keep pasta from sticking?

A. Use plenty of water (4-6 quarts for each pound of pasta) and don’t overcook it. Follow the package directions for cooking times. Follow the steps above for perfectly cooked pasta every time.