Pasta is one of our favorite dishes, and most people think they know how to cook it, right?
Well, that’s not entirely true.
According to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, even with simple pasta dishes, there are subtle differences in preparation that can significantly elevate the taste.
The renowned chef has shared with Freundin what really makes a difference and which tips and tricks are essential for perfect pasta.
Mistake #1: Not Adding Enough Salt
This may seem obvious, but adding salt to pasta water makes a much bigger impact than many realize.
The science behind it is called osmosis, which means that when pasta cooks, the salt and water create a solution that helps the pasta retain its flavor. This results in a more flavorful dish and prevents the pasta from becoming watery or bland.
A common rule among Italian home cooks is to use one teaspoon of salt per liter of water.
However, if you plan to use some of the pasta water for your sauce, it’s best to add only half or a level teaspoon of salt.
Mistake #2: Misjudging the Amount of Pasta
We've all been there—either making too much or too little pasta.
Jamie offers a simple guideline: 75 grams of dry pasta per person is the ideal portion size.
This tip takes the guesswork out of measuring and ensures everyone gets the perfect amount.
Mistake #3: The Wrong-Sized Pot
A common error is choosing a pot that's too small for the amount of pasta.
Jamie advises using a larger pot to give the pasta enough room to cook evenly and prevent sticking. Although a bigger pot means more cleaning, it’s worth the effort to avoid clumped-together pasta.
Mistake #4: Keeping the Lid on
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, the lid should come off.
While keeping the lid on at the beginning helps the water boil faster, leaving it on throughout cooking can affect how the pasta cooks. Removing the lid ensures that the water stays at the right temperature and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
Mistake #5: Adding Pasta to Water Too Early
Never add pasta to water that isn't boiling yet.
While it might seem like a shortcut, putting pasta in too early prevents it from absorbing the water properly. Always wait until the water reaches a full boil before tossing in your pasta to ensure optimal cooking.
