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**JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.** For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. [![Crunchy Soup Topping]() ![Crunchy Soup Topping]()](https://www.justspices.co.uk/crunchy-soup-topping.html) - [Blog](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog "Blog") - [Cooking Basics](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics "Cooking Basics") - **How to cook pasta: A step-by-step guide** 10\.10.2023 [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta) [](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta&media=https://www.justspices.co.uk/media/magefan_blog/Different_pasta_dishes.jpg&description=How%20to%20Cook%20Pasta%20%7C%20JUST%20SPICES%C2%AE%EF%B8%8F)  Cooking Basics # How to cook pasta: A step-by-step guide **Pasta**: the word alone makes your **mouth water**. From Italy to the UK, this staple has found its way into **various dishes** and cultures. It might be easy to just boil some noodles and toss them with a sauce, but there’s **an art to truly mastering pasta**. Whether **you’ve been cooking for years** or you’re a **newbie in the kitchen**, our blog will teach you **how to cook pasta properly** in **just a few minutes**! Join us as we unravel the secrets of making impeccable pasta – choosing the right type of pasta, a step-by-step-guide on how to cook pasta, and the best pasta recipes. ## Table of contents [Choosing your pasta](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#choosing-your-pasta "Choosing your pasta") [Essentials for cooking pasta](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#essentials-for-cooking-pasta "Essentials for cooking pasta") [Cooking pasta in 6 easy steps](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#cooking-pasta-in-6-easy-steps "Cooking pasta in 6 easy steps") [How long does pasta take to cook?](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#how-long-does-pasta-take-to-cook "How long does pasta take to cook?") [Best spice blends for pasta](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#best-spice-blends-for-pasta "Best spice blends for pasta") [Delicious pasta recipes](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#delicious-pasta-recipes "Delicious pasta recipes") [Cooking basics with Just Spices](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-pasta#cooking-basics-with-just-spices "Cooking basics with Just Spices") [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/tomato-mozzarella-one-pot-pasta.html) ## **Choosing your pasta** First things first: **what pasta should you choose?** When you’re at the supermarket, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer choice in the pasta aisle. With a plethora of **shapes, sizes and colours**, each type of pasta promises a **different taste**, tailored to specific sauces, ingredients and cooking methods. But don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Here’s what you need to know about the **different types of pasta**. \+ **Long and slender:** Typical types are **spaghetti, linguine or tagliatelle**. These types of pasta are perfect for **thinner sauces** to cling to. \+ **Tubular and hollow:** **Penne, rigatoni and macaroni** belong in this section. If you choose this type of pasta, you want a **thicker sauce** such as **bolognese**, **chunky tomato** or a **creamy chicken Cajun**\! \+ **Mini shapes:** This type of pasta is ideal for **salads** and **soups** – choose from **orzo**, **conchiglietti**, **orecchiette** ,**mini farfalle** and **stelline**. Their small sizes and quirky shapes add the perfect contrast in texture\! \+ **Filled pasta:** This includes **ravioli**, **tortellini** and **cannelloni** – either buy them ready-filled or make them yourself! You can stuff cannelloni shells with anything from **ricotta cheese** and **spinach** to **hearty meat ragu**. Pair them with a **lighter sauce** that complements the filling\! Once you have chosen the **shape of pasta** you want, you need to decide whether you want **fresh** or **dried pasta**. **Fresh pasta** has a **softer texture**, a more pronounced **egg flavour** and **cooks faster**. **Dried pasta** has a **firmer texture** and is perfect for **thicker, hearty sauces**. [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipe-collections/pasta-recipes) ## ## **Esssentials for cooking pasta** Before you start cooking your pasta, you need to ensure you have **everything you need**. Here’s a list of the **most important things to consider**. 1 **The right pot** Take a large, deep pot that has **enough space for your pasta to move freely**. This is important so that your pasta **cooks evenly** and **doesn’t clump**. 2 **Plenty of water** Pasta needs **room to swim about**. The general rule is to use about **4 litres of water** for every **500 grams of pasta**. This may seem like a lot, but enough water will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly **without sticking together**. 3 **Enough salt** Salt may be optional for some, but salting your pasta water is an integral part of s**easoning the pasta from the inside out**. It takes the pasta from bland to full of flavour! Typically, **2 tablespoons** of **table salt** should be added for **4 litres of water**, so that the water tastes well seasoned but not salty. 4 **Have a strainer to hand** Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, you need to **drain it immediately** through a strainer. This is safer than trying to pour the water out while holding the lid on. Don’t forget to **save a ladleful of the cooking water** to **thicken your sauce**\! [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipe-collections/pasta-recipes) ## ## **Cooking pasta in 6 easy steps** 1 **Fill up a large pot with water** Remember not to be too frugal with this one\! 2 **Bring the water to the boil** Place the pot on the stove and turn the **heat to high**. Wait for the water to reach a boil – you’ll know it’s ready when **large bubbles break the surface**. 3 **Add salt to the boiling water** Salt your boiling pasta water with about **2 tablespoons of salt** per **4 litres of water** – this helps flavour the pasta from the inside out. 4 **Add the pasta and stir occasionally** Add your pasta to the boiling water, **stirring occasionally** with a wooden spoon or pasta fork to **prevent sticking**. And make sure that your **pasta is** **fully submerged**\! 5 **Cook the pasta until al dente** Most pasta packaging comes with a **recommended cooking time**. However, it’s better to start c**hecking a minute or two earlier** than suggested. You want the pasta to be ***al dente***– tender but still firm to the bite. 6 **Drain the cooked pasta** Drain the pasta, but make sure to save a ladleful of pasta water first – this **starchy water** can help you **thicken your sauce** later. \! **Don’t rinse the pasta** as this **washes away its natural starches** that help sauces adhere better. Voilà, you’ve cooked the **perfect pasta in just 6 easy steps**! With the **right techniques**, even the most basic of pasta dishes can be transformed into delicious meals. [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipe-collections/pasta-recipes) ## ## **How long does pasta take to cook?** The answer to this question **depends on what kind of pasta** you’re cooking. **Small pasta** shapes like macaroni or orecchiette may cook in **just 5 to 7 minutes**. **Larger shapes**, such as spaghetti or conchiglie,may require around **10 to 12 minutes**. For **best results**, always **follow your packaging instructions**, but check a minute or two before the timer goes off – you want the pasta to be perfectly al dente and not overcooked. ## **Best spice blends for pasta** While knowing how to cook pasta is the first step to making delicious pasta dishes, you also need to know **how to season them**! But don’t worry – we’ve done all the hard work for you. Check out our **different pasta** [**spice blends**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/spice-blends.html) to make quick and easy sauces and **elevate all your pasta dishes**\! ## ## **Delicious pasta recipes** Now it’s time to make the most of your perfectly cooked pasta\! Its versatility means pasta is always a good idea, whether twirled in **classic Italian sauces**, with **meat or vegetables**, added into **soups** or tossed in **refreshing salads**! Check out our [**pasta recipe collection**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipe-collections/pasta-recipes) for all kinds of pasta recipes! It’s time to unleash your creativity and create your next signature dish. Here are some of our **favourite pasta recipes** to get started: [**Pasta with pesto and burrata**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/pasta-pesto-burrata.html) – Pasta with **home-made green pesto**, **tomatoes** and **burrata**. [**One-pot pasta with salmon**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/one-pot-pasta-salmon.html) – Easy **one-pot pasta**, ready in **only 25 minutes**. [**Creamy vegetable pasta**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/creamy-vegetable-pasta.html) – Perfect for **after work**, a **creamy pasta** with lots of **vegetables**. [**Pasta salad with grilled chicken**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/pasta-salad-with-grilled-chicken.html) – Your **favourite side dish** at your next **summer barbecue**. [**Tortellini bake**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/tortellini-bake.html) – A delicious and **quick tortellini bake** made in the oven [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/one-pot-pasta-salmon.html) [ ](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipes/pasta-salad-with-grilled-chicken.html) ## ## **Cooking basics with Just Spices** In this article, we’ve taught you **how to cook pasta in 6 easy steps**. Feeling inspired? Check out our [**Cooking Basics**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics) blog category, where you will find more articles on **how to cook different ingredients** or dishes like [**how to cook quinoa**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-quinoa) or [**how to cook schnitzel**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-schnitzel). [← Previous](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-steak "Read How to cook steak") [Next →](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-schnitzel "Read How to cook schnitzel") Popular topics 1. [Hot Topics • 6 minutes How to host the perfect raclette party](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/hot-topics/how-to-host-the-perfect-raclette-party "How to host the perfect raclette party") 2. [Cooking Basics • 6 minutes How to freeze cream](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-freeze-cream "How to freeze cream") 3. 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 Cooking Basics **Pasta**: the word alone makes your **mouth water**. From Italy to the UK, this staple has found its way into **various dishes** and cultures. It might be easy to just boil some noodles and toss them with a sauce, but there’s **an art to truly mastering pasta**. Whether **you’ve been cooking for years** or you’re a **newbie in the kitchen**, our blog will teach you **how to cook pasta properly** in **just a few minutes**! Join us as we unravel the secrets of making impeccable pasta – choosing the right type of pasta, a step-by-step-guide on how to cook pasta, and the best pasta recipes. **Choosing your pasta** First things first: **what pasta should you choose?** When you’re at the supermarket, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer choice in the pasta aisle. With a plethora of **shapes, sizes and colours**, each type of pasta promises a **different taste**, tailored to specific sauces, ingredients and cooking methods. But don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Here’s what you need to know about the **different types of pasta**. \+ **Long and slender:** Typical types are **spaghetti, linguine or tagliatelle**. These types of pasta are perfect for **thinner sauces** to cling to. \+ **Tubular and hollow:** **Penne, rigatoni and macaroni** belong in this section. If you choose this type of pasta, you want a **thicker sauce** such as **bolognese**, **chunky tomato** or a **creamy chicken Cajun**\! \+ **Mini shapes:** This type of pasta is ideal for **salads** and **soups** – choose from **orzo**, **conchiglietti**, **orecchiette** ,**mini farfalle** and **stelline**. Their small sizes and quirky shapes add the perfect contrast in texture\! \+ **Filled pasta:** This includes **ravioli**, **tortellini** and **cannelloni** – either buy them ready-filled or make them yourself! You can stuff cannelloni shells with anything from **ricotta cheese** and **spinach** to **hearty meat ragu**. Pair them with a **lighter sauce** that complements the filling\! Once you have chosen the **shape of pasta** you want, you need to decide whether you want **fresh** or **dried pasta**. **Fresh pasta** has a **softer texture**, a more pronounced **egg flavour** and **cooks faster**. **Dried pasta** has a **firmer texture** and is perfect for **thicker, hearty sauces**. **Esssentials for cooking pasta** Before you start cooking your pasta, you need to ensure you have **everything you need**. Here’s a list of the **most important things to consider**. 1 **The right pot** Take a large, deep pot that has **enough space for your pasta to move freely**. This is important so that your pasta **cooks evenly** and **doesn’t clump**. 2 **Plenty of water** Pasta needs **room to swim about**. The general rule is to use about **4 litres of water** for every **500 grams of pasta**. This may seem like a lot, but enough water will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly **without sticking together**. 3 **Enough salt** Salt may be optional for some, but salting your pasta water is an integral part of s**easoning the pasta from the inside out**. It takes the pasta from bland to full of flavour! Typically, **2 tablespoons** of **table salt** should be added for **4 litres of water**, so that the water tastes well seasoned but not salty. 4 **Have a strainer to hand** Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, you need to **drain it immediately** through a strainer. This is safer than trying to pour the water out while holding the lid on. Don’t forget to **save a ladleful of the cooking water** to **thicken your sauce**\! **Cooking pasta in 6 easy steps** 1 **Fill up a large pot with water** Remember not to be too frugal with this one\! 2 **Bring the water to the boil** Place the pot on the stove and turn the **heat to high**. Wait for the water to reach a boil – you’ll know it’s ready when **large bubbles break the surface**. 3 **Add salt to the boiling water** Salt your boiling pasta water with about **2 tablespoons of salt** per **4 litres of water** – this helps flavour the pasta from the inside out. 4 **Add the pasta and stir occasionally** Add your pasta to the boiling water, **stirring occasionally** with a wooden spoon or pasta fork to **prevent sticking**. And make sure that your **pasta is** **fully submerged**\! 5 **Cook the pasta until al dente** Most pasta packaging comes with a **recommended cooking time**. However, it’s better to start c**hecking a minute or two earlier** than suggested. You want the pasta to be ***al dente***– tender but still firm to the bite. 6 **Drain the cooked pasta** Drain the pasta, but make sure to save a ladleful of pasta water first – this **starchy water** can help you **thicken your sauce** later. \! **Don’t rinse the pasta** as this **washes away its natural starches** that help sauces adhere better. Voilà, you’ve cooked the **perfect pasta in just 6 easy steps**! With the **right techniques**, even the most basic of pasta dishes can be transformed into delicious meals. **How long does pasta take to cook?** The answer to this question **depends on what kind of pasta** you’re cooking. **Small pasta** shapes like macaroni or orecchiette may cook in **just 5 to 7 minutes**. **Larger shapes**, such as spaghetti or conchiglie,may require around **10 to 12 minutes**. For **best results**, always **follow your packaging instructions**, but check a minute or two before the timer goes off – you want the pasta to be perfectly al dente and not overcooked. **Best spice blends for pasta** While knowing how to cook pasta is the first step to making delicious pasta dishes, you also need to know **how to season them**! But don’t worry – we’ve done all the hard work for you. Check out our **different pasta** [**spice blends**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/spice-blends.html) to make quick and easy sauces and **elevate all your pasta dishes**\! **Delicious pasta recipes** Now it’s time to make the most of your perfectly cooked pasta\! Its versatility means pasta is always a good idea, whether twirled in **classic Italian sauces**, with **meat or vegetables**, added into **soups** or tossed in **refreshing salads**! Check out our [**pasta recipe collection**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/recipe-collections/pasta-recipes) for all kinds of pasta recipes! It’s time to unleash your creativity and create your next signature dish. Here are some of our **favourite pasta recipes** to get started: **Cooking basics with Just Spices** In this article, we’ve taught you **how to cook pasta in 6 easy steps**. Feeling inspired? Check out our [**Cooking Basics**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics) blog category, where you will find more articles on **how to cook different ingredients** or dishes like [**how to cook quinoa**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-quinoa) or [**how to cook schnitzel**](https://www.justspices.co.uk/blog/cooking-basics/how-to-cook-schnitzel).