Perfect Spaghetti

Master the art of cooking pasta like an Italian chef

The Basics

Great spaghetti starts with understanding the fundamentals. The perfect pasta should be "al dente" - tender but still firm to the bite.

What You'll Need

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 4-6 quarts water
  • 1-2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Cooking Steps

1

Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot

2

Add salt to the boiling water

3

Add spaghetti and stir occasionally

4

Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente

5

Drain and serve immediately

Pro Tips

  • Never break the spaghetti
  • Salt the water generously
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining
  • Don't add oil to the cooking water