Fresh pasta has a springy and light feel, with a completely different texture than store-bought noodles in a box. Because they’re made from different ingredients, fresh pasta also has a completely different cooking method than the dried counterparts. If you’ve never cooked fresh linguini, spaghetti, or fettuccine before, below are a few steps to help you avoid overcooking your store-bought fresh pasta.

4 Steps to Cooking Fresh Pasta

1. Boil Some Water

The basics of preparing fresh pasta are essentially the same as dried noodles, so start by boiling some water. However, fresh pasta from a store usually cooks at lower temperatures, so set the stove to medium or medium-high heat instead of a boil. While adding salt doesn’t make the water boil faster, it does infuse some extra flavor into your pasta, so feel free to experiment with a pinch or two. 

2. Add the Noodles

Once the water has reached a nice, rolling boil, start adding your fresh pasta noodles. Instead of dropping them in all at once, gently add the noodles a little at a time to keep them from clumping together.

3. Keep an Eye on Them

The main difference between fresh and dried pasta is cooking time, so keep a close eye on your noodles. Some might take as long as four minutes, while some types of pasta will be done in as little as 90 seconds. Continuously stirring the noodles will prevent clumps and keep your pasta light and springy.

4. Use Your Favorite Sauce

The light texture of fresh pasta makes it suitable for pesto and other lighter sauces, or you might even just sprinkle on a little olive oil, oregano, and parmesan cheese. Rolling the pasta in the sauce will ensure each noodle is coated and won’t be weighed down.

If you’re looking for a great source for fresh pasta, stop by Paul's Pasta Shop in Groton, CT. At this shop, you’ll find a broad selection of delicious pasta made fresh daily by passionate experts who love delivering award-winning Italian food. Visit their website to browse their menu, and follow their Facebook for more tips and updates. If you have any questions, give them a call at (860) 445-5276, or drop by to pick up some delicious fresh pasta today.