To cook Italian pasta, follow these steps:
Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water (about 4-6 quarts per pound of pasta) and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add Salt: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This will help flavor the pasta.
Add Pasta: Carefully add the pasta to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-12 minutes for dried pasta or 1-3 minutes for fresh pasta.
Test for Doneness: To check if the pasta is done, taste a small piece. It should be tender but still firm (al dente).
Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it in a colander, reserving a cup of the cooking water if needed.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately with your favorite sauce, cheese, or toppings.
Optional: Finish Cooking in Sauce: For a more flavorful dish, you can finish cooking the pasta in a sauce for a minute or two before serving.
Garnish: Garnish the pasta with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving, if desired.
