Pasta can be a very quick and simple dish to whip together for a meal. It is especially easy to cook in high volumes and therefore perfect for feeding a large group of people. Though cooking pasta is generally a fairly fun, simple and straight forward task, there are a few pasta cooking tips which can help even the most decorated pasta veteran to improve their dishes.

The water in which the pasta is cooked can greatly impact the way the dish turns out. Make sure there is enough water in your pot because cooking pasta in too little water can cause it to stick together. If you are afraid this may be the case, add a tablespoon of oil to help eliminate sticking.

Adding salt to the water can also help with firmness and bring out the natural flavor.

Fresh pasta is a bit of a different ball game than processed pasta. Remember that when cooking pasta that is made fresh, it tends to cook quicker, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Test it frequently to ensure that it does not overcook. Do not cover the pot while the pasta is cooking as this will cause it to overcook.

To ensure that the pasta is as fresh as possible when it reaches the table, it is a good idea to serve it in a warm bowl because pasta cools very quickly. The best way to do this is by placing a bowl under the colander where the pasta is drained. After the bowl is emptied of water it can be filled with pasta and served fresh.

Though it is a simple dish to prepare, there are a few pasta cooking tips which can cause a dish to go above and beyond. Pasta can be used in a variety of dishes and making sure that it is cooked perfectly goes a long way towards creating a delicious meal. Following these simple pasta tips can help to make a dish spectacular.

Ingredients:

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic, and parsley. Add the shrimp to the mixture and toss it around until the shrimp is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for half an hour. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Preheat the grill at a high heat setting. Add the shrimp to skewers and grill for about 3 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly cooked. You might want to oil the grate slightly to prevent the shrimp from sticking. Serve the shrimp on top of the noodles and drizzle just a bit of the remaining marinade on top.

Ingredients:

Directions:
Throw 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over a medium heat. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Cook until the chicken is white all the way through. Remove from the skillet and set aside for later. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the fettuccine pasta. Cook for about 10 minutes, then drain. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the skillet and sauté 2 tablespoons of garlic. Stir in the flour, pepper, and salt and cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly add in the milk and half and half, but be sure to stir constantly. When the sauce turns smooth, add the Parmesan and Colby-Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until all cheese is melted, then add the chicken mixture and sour cream. Stir well and serve over the fettuccine noodles.

Some say there are over 400 shapes, in many flavors and sizes. It is easily available. If a recipe calls for a specific type that you do not have, rest assured pasta is easily interchange for another one of similar size and shape. The integrity of you dish will not be compromised. You will just look creative! Manufactured pasta will keep on the shelf up to one year because it is moisture free. If kept under refrigeration, cooked pasta will last almost a week. My family used to make a huge pot of sauce and cook the pasta daily. Pasta was freshly made, not totally dried before used. We ate it daily so it never lasted long.

With pasta, you can be creative. It will go with any kind of meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, cheeses, even bacon and eggs! Do not forget the butter and olive oil. You can puree different vegetables and add some olive oil, garlic and cheeses and VOILA! You will have a great meal. Sweet red, yellow and green peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, leafy, green vegetables can make a nutritious masterpiece that is nutritious, filling and economical.

No one likes soggy spaghetti. Pasta should be served Al Dente, tender but chewy. Pasta should cook in enough salted water that the pasta can circulate freely. Depending on the type, size and amount time will vary from four to fifteen minutes. Just check the directions on the package it will give you a time. The taste test is the best way to determine when it is ready. Remember, tender and chewy! You may serve pasta hot, warm, or cold in salad.

Kids love pasta, the different shapes are fun. On inclement days, little ones can make necklaces from penne, rotelli or even elbow macaroni! If you are ever near an Italian Deli, go in. Smell the aroma of olives, oils, cheeses, fresh spices and fresh made filled pasta. Enjoy the ambience, it will make you want to go home and cook pasta! Mangiare!