When prepared correctly, fresh pasta dishes are delicious and filling. However, it’s not as easy as it may seem to achieve the right consistency and taste. Here’s some advice that will help you impress your guests and satisfy your family.

How to Prepare Fresh Pasta Correctly

1. Use Plenty of Water

Use about six quarts of water per pound of pasta to give the noodles room to expand and keep them from sticking together. Add a pinch of salt to give them a nice flavor.

Heat the water first, and add the noodles once it reaches a boil. This cooks them more evenly, since the water remains a constant temperature. The boiling water also helps the salt dissolve before the pasta starts absorbing moisture.

2. Choose Fresh Ingredients

Jarred sauces and canned vegetables can’t match the flavor of fresh pasta sauce made with freshly chopped veggies.

Moreover, canned vegetables are pre-cooked, which affects their crispness. Also, they often contain salt, preservatives, and other additives that interfere with their flavor and affect healthfulness.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to chop up garden vegetables for your sauce, consider frozen veggies. These are usually a better option, since they don’t contain additives and are typically uncooked. For more flavor, use fresh herbs and spices instead of the dried variety.

3. Cook Pasta "al Dente"

The term "al dente" is Italian for "to the tooth." This means the pasta should be firm when you bite into it to give the meal a nice texture. Once the noodles have softened in the water, pull one out and taste it every minute or two to check the consistency. 

When you’re craving delicious Italian food, stop by Paul's Pasta Shop, the premier Italian restaurant in Groton, CT. They've served customers from all over New London County since 1988. They make fresh pasta from scratch daily and offer dine-in, carryout, and catering. View their menu on their website, or call (860) 445-5276 to place an order or ask about business hours.