I Just Discovered the Right Way Italians Cook Pasta – And I’ve Been Using Too Much Water
I Just Learned How Italians Really Cook Pasta, and I’ve Been Doing It Wrong All Along
After all, pasta is foolproof, right? Just boil some water, toss in a splash of olive oil, throw in the pasta, and cook for 12 minutes until it’s soft. Done, right?
Wrong.
Apparently, my “tried and true” method has been all kinds of wrong. Recently, I learned that cooking pasta the Italian way is a whole science, and my previous approach has likely been an offense to Italians and food lovers everywhere.
The Secret to Cooking Pasta Like an Italian
For starters, did you know there’s an actual formula for how much water to use when boiling pasta? It’s not just about throwing in water “based on vibes,” as I once did.
According to Italian cuisine experts at Eataly, you should use about 4 pints of water for every 450g of pasta. Why? Because the more pasta you’re cooking, the more water you’ll need to prevent it from sticking together in the pot.
And here’s where my jaw hit the floor: you shouldn’t boil the water first before adding the pasta. That’s right. Add the pasta before the water reaches a boil. I’ve definitely not been doing that... oops.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Hot Water or Add Oil to Pasta
One surprising tip from the experts at Eataly is to avoid using warm or hot tap water to boil your pasta. While it might heat up faster, they explained:
“Warm or hot water may contain more dissolved minerals from your pipes, giving the water—and anything boiled in it—a slightly metallic taste.”
Well, that’s something I never considered before!
The Truth About Salt and Olive Oil in Pasta Water
Now, onto the much-debated topic: should you add salt or oil to the pasta water?
The experts recommend adding 1–2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water. This enhances the flavor of the pasta, helping it shine even before you add sauce.
But when it comes to olive oil? That’s a big no-no.
Eataly explains:
“You should never add olive oil to the water or to the pasta after draining. While it might help keep the pasta strands from sticking to each other, olive oil will also block sauces from adhering to the pasta.”
So, if you’ve been adding oil to your water thinking it’s helping, it’s time to ditch that habit. The pasta’s sauce deserves a proper chance to stick and shine!
Final Thoughts: Lesson Learned
After learning these game-changing tips, I’ll never look at pasta the same way again. Cooking pasta the right way isn’t just about boiling water; it’s about respecting the craft and tradition that Italians have perfected over centuries.
Now, time to put these lessons into practice and give my next pasta dish the care it truly deserves.
