Italian Chef Reveals the 10 Biggest Pasta Cooking Mistakes

Ingredients

• 500 g Spaghetti (dry, preferably bronze‑extruded for better sauce adhesion)
• 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sauce and finishing drizzle)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 800 g Canned San Marzano Tomatoes (crushed or whole peeled, broken up)
• 1 cup Fresh Basil (loosely packed, torn)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 50 g Rock Salt (about 1 tablespoon per 5 L water)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Boil Water and Salt It

   Fill the large stockpot with 5 L (5 quarts) of cold water. Add 50 g (≈1 Tbsp) rock salt and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

   Time: PT10M

2. Prepare the Light Tomato Sauce

   While the water heats, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the canned tomatoes, season with a pinch of pepper, and simmer gently for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: medium heat

3. Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente

   When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Stir immediately and again after 2‑3 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook according to package time, testing a minute early for al dente texture (firm bite).

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: boiling

4. Reserve Pasta Water

   Before draining, scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of the hot pasta water and set aside in a heat‑proof bowl.

   Time: PT1M

5. Drain the Pasta

   Drain the spaghetti in the colander; do NOT rinse. Let it sit for a few seconds to allow excess water to drip off.

   Time: PT1M

6. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Pasta Water

   Transfer the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add ½‑¾ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously for 2‑3 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta glossy and slightly thickened.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium heat

7. Finish with Cheese, Herbs, and Olive Oil

   Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, and drizzle the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

   Time: PT1M

8. Plate and Serve Immediately

   Twirl the pasta onto warm plates and serve right away while hot and glossy.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

420

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4 g