How To Boil Pasta Al Dente

• Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect al dente store-bought pasta every time. Start by choosing the right type of pasta for your dish. Different shapes and sizes of pasta pair better with certain sauces, so consider the overall flavor and texture you want to achieve. Homemade Pasta Recipe.
  

How To Boil Pasta Al Dente

• Fill a large pot with water, making sure there is enough room for the pasta to cook evenly. Bring to a boil and swirl in salt. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Use tongs to stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the pot. This will prevent the pasta from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the pot. Check the cooking time on the pasta package, but remember that this is just a guideline. Begin testing the pasta for doneness 3 minutes before the recommended time. The pasta should be tender yet firm to the bite, with a slight resistance in the center.
  
• Once the pasta is al dente, immediately drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starchy coating that helps sauces adhere to the noodles. Transfer the pasta to a bowl and toss it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
  

Plating

• Use your kitchen tongs to carefully place a portion of pasta in the ladle, pressing it gently to shape it into a dome.
  
• Gently release the pasta onto the serving plate, using the tongs to help guide it if needed. Repeat this process for each serving. Season with ground black pepper and Parmigiano-Regiano shavings – Enjoy!
  

How To Store Cooked Pasta

• Storing cooked pasta properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious for future meals. One excellent method is to transfer the warm, oiled pasta into a freezer bag. This simple step can make a big difference in preserving the taste and texture of your pasta dishes. To begin, ensure that your cooked pasta is still warm when you transfer it into the freezer bag. The warmth will help the pasta absorb the oil evenly, coating each strand and preventing them from sticking together during storage. Additionally, the oil will act as a protective layer, helping to maintain the pasta's moisture and flavor. Once the pasta is in the bag, give it a gentle massage to make sure the oil is distributed evenly. Next, remove any excessive air from the bag before sealing it tightly. After sealing the bag, allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.