Secrets to Making Perfect Pasta Every Time

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When Cooking Fresh Pasta...

Don't cook it for the same amount of time as dried pasta. Fresh pasta only takes a few minutes, whereas dried needs anywhere between 6-15 minutes to cook. For best results, always check the recommended cooking time on the package. Usually there will be a time range given, from firm to al dente to well-done. Before draining or removing the pasta, it's always good to do a taste test—fish out a noodle from the pot, blow on it to cool it down, then taste to check the texture. If it's crunchy, it's not done. If it's mushy, it's probably overcooked. But if it's soft with a slight chew to it, that's when you know it's al dente. 

Bonus tip: If you're going to finish cooking the pasta in the sauce, make sure it's slightly undercooked or just al dente.