As a busy mom, having a quick and delicious meal option can be a lifesaver. That's why pasta is such an essential pantry staple. But while cooking pasta might seem simple, getting it just right can be a challenge. That's why we've put together some tips and tricks to help you cook pasta with the ideal texture every time - not too sticky, not too al dente.  With these basic principles, you'll be cooking pasta with ease in no time, making mealtime a simple and stress-free experience for you.

1. Use a Large Pot:

   Always boil pasta in a large pot with a lot of water in it. If the pot is too small or there isn’t enough water in it, the pasta will not have room to move around and will instead stick together. Also, the pasta will cook unevenly if it is no fully immersed in water.
   
   

2. Add Salt:

   Salt enhances the taste of pasta, and you must always remember to salt the water before you add the pasta. A rule of thumb is to add 1.5 tablespoons of salt per 0.5 kilograms of pasta. If you are in doubt whether you have added enough salt to the water, just taste it. It should taste a bit like ocean water.
   
   

3. Wait for Water to Boil:

   Do not add the pasta before the water comes to a complete boil.
   
   

4. Stir Pasta:

   To ensure the pasta does not stick during boiling, make sure to stir it a couple of times.
   
   

5. Check Cooking Time:

   Cooking time mentioned on the package may not be optimal. Taste the pasta 2-3 minutes before the end of the cooking time stated on the package to ensure it is perfectly cooked.
   
   

6. Avoid Rinsing Pasta:

   Avoid rinsing the pasta after boiling it. This takes away the starch which impacts the taste, making it more bland.
   
   

7. Reserve Some Pasta Water:

   The secret to achieving a creamy sauce lies in the starchy water leftover from cooking pasta. By reserving and adding a small amount of this water to your ready-made sauce, you can take the creaminess to another level. This trick works not only for bechamel sauce but can be applied to various types of sauces, giving your dishes a velvety and luscious texture.
   
   

8. Don't Add Oil:

   Many people believe that adding oil to the water helps prevent the pasta from sticking together, but this is a myth. In fact, adding oil can make the pasta slippery and prevent it from absorbing sauce properly. Save yourself time and hassle by skipping this step.

By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that every pasta dish you make turns out just right - not too mushy, not too hard - and perfectly flavorful. And don't forget the bonus trick for achieving a creamy sauce! With these hacks, you'll be able to whip up a satisfying and tasty meal for your family in no time, without any stress or fuss. So go ahead and experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces, and enjoy the satisfying results !