If you think you've mastered pasta cooking with the basics—boiling, saucing, and digging in—think again. We're here to spill the beans on some seriously underrated pasta hacks that will revolutionize your kitchen game. From adding extra flavor to achieving crispy perfection, these tips are about to make you the pasta chef extraordinaire you never knew you could be.
Try boiling your pasta in seasoned broth instead. This trick infuses your noodles with extra flavor, perfect for enhancing dishes with delicate sauces or lighter toppings. Use veggie or stock for added flavor.
Toasting dry pasta might sound unusual, but it adds a nutty, deep flavor that elevates any dish. Just toss your uncooked noodles in a pan with olive oil until golden, or bake them in the oven for a roasty profile.
Yes, you can turn pasta into crispy chips! Parboil your pasta, then toss it with olive oil, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Bake or air fry until crunchy and golden. Perfect for parties or movie nights.
Swap some water for milk when boiling pasta to add richness and a velvety texture before even adding your creamy sauce. Save a cup of the starchy cooking liquid to blend everything together perfectly in dishes. Indulgent and delicious!
Try making a pasta version of risotto by cooking small pasta like Elbows slowly in broth until creamy and tender. The starches in pasta create a similar texture to traditional risotto—just add butter and Parmesan for a creamy finish.
Using milk instead of cream in pasta dishes is a great option if you're looking to lighten the dish or if you prefer a less rich flavor. Since milk is thinner than cream, you might need to thicken the sauce slightly. You can do this by simmering the milk gently until it reduces slightly and thickens, or by adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) to the milk before adding it to the sauce.
Adding cheese to the milk will melt the cheese and give it a thick consistency. Stir in some of the pasta water as needed. Put in your fresh herbs, pepper and salt while the sauce thickens. Now you have a sauce that’s healthier and as creamy.
Make life easier by cooking pasta in a slow cooker. Simply add dry noodles, sauce, and boiling water to your slow cooker bowl. Let it cook on low for a few hours until the pasta is perfectly cooked. Ideal for a hands-off approach to dinner with dishes
Instead of draining pasta completely, transfer it directly from the pot to the saucepan using tongs or a slotted spoon. Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce over low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Elevate your pasta dishes by adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme during cooking or as a garnish. Citrus zest from lemon or orange adds brightness and freshness, balancing rich sauces and enhancing the overall flavor profile of your pasta creations.
