Cooking Recommendations

Tips to prevent your pasta from getting mushy

By Gretel Morales - 2022-07-13T11:16:18Z
Read in EnglishPasta is a staple that you cannot miss in your pantry, as it is economical, versatile, and very filling. You can use this ingredient to prepare delicious pasta with Bolognese sauce or pesto, as well as for soups and salads. Despite being a staple in all kitchens, there are still many myths surrounding pasta, as it is said to make you gain weight and be bad for your health; however, this is just a myth. A study published in 2016 confirmed that eating pasta is not related to obesity; on the contrary, Italians tend to be slimmer. This is also due to their adoption of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, pasta, fish and seafood, olive oil, and grains. Although it is very popular worldwide, it is quite common for pasta to become mushy, as it is often overcooked or cooked incorrectly. At Kiwilimon, we know that this is very annoying, which is why we tell you how to cook pasta al dente, so all your dishes turn out even more delicious.You may also read: The 10 most popular typical dishes of Italy around the worldHow to cook pasta so it doesn’t get mushy?Cooking pasta properly is very easy; you just have to follow these tips. Regarding the cooking of this ingredient, the renowned chef Gordon Ramsay states the following: It is important to use the right amount of water so that the pasta cooks evenly.Adding a good amount of salt is essential for good pasta.Add a little olive oil to the cooking water so it won't stick.Wait until the water is boiling to add the pasta.Long pasta, like spaghetti, needs about 8 to 10 minutes of cooking time. In the case of short pasta, it needs between 10 and 12 minutes of cooking, while fresh pasta only needs 3 to 5 minutes.To determine if your pasta is ready, simply take a piece, wait a few seconds for it to cool, and taste it. It should have a slightly firm but edible consistency.Once the pasta is al dente, you should drain it, but remember to save some of the cooking water, as this will add more flavor to the sauce.Chef Ramsay recommends adding a touch of salt, pepper, and olive oil to the pasta once it is cooked.You may also read: 10 tips for cooking pastaHow much water do I need to cook pasta?If you want al dente pasta and not mushy, you should start by adding the correct amount of water. According to experts, you should add 1 liter of water for every 100 grams of pasta.Things to avoid when cooking pastaIn addition to considering the amount of water, adding olive oil, and paying close attention to the cooking time, you should also avoid certain things when cooking pasta.Never rinse freshly cooked pasta under cold running water, as it will get a gummy texture that no one likes.Do not stir the pasta too much; do it only every 3 minutes.Add all the pasta at the same time so it cooks evenly.Don’t throw away the cooking water! Remember to save some of this liquid; it will give a delicious flavor to the sauce.You may also read: Top 5 best pasta dishesThe best pasta recipesTry the best pasta recipes that only Kiwilimon has for you; there is a recipe for every taste.Delicious Spaghetti with MeatballsThree Cheese Spaghetti with HamPoblano SpaghettiBaked Feta Cheese PastaSpaghetti with Bell Pepper SauceHomemade Garlic Shrimp PastaMilpa SpaghettiCreamy Pasta with BBQ ChickenRed Spaghetti in Baking DishPasta with ChickenSpaghetti with Mushroom SauceCreamy Pasta in Tomato SauceMexican Zucchini SpaghettiHawaiian Spaghetti with Ham and PineappleGreen Spaghetti with Chicken