Pasta
Also called noodles
Pasta provides substance and carries flavors from sauces well.
Flavor profile
Aroma: neutral, starchy
Good to know
Origin: Italy
Forms: spaghetti, penne, fettuccine
Storage: Store dried pasta in a cool, dry place; cooked pasta should be refrigerated and used within a couple of days.
How to use pasta
Al Dente Mastery
Firm gluten holds sauce, keeps pasta from going mushy.
Perfect Toss
Add sauce off-heat to stabilize thanks to starch.
What goes with pasta
- Tomato. Tomato's acidity breaks through pasta's starchiness, a foundational pairing.
- Parmesan. Parmesan's glutamate provides savory umami to pasta's starch.
- Basil. Basil's aroma shares eugenol with tomato and pairs with pasta's bland base.
- Cheddar. Sharp cheddar melts into a creamy sauce over mild pasta.
- Mozzarella. Melting mozzarella gives stretch and mild creaminess to baked pasta.
- Ricotta. Ricotta's mild creaminess coats pasta in stuffed shapes and sauces.
- Garlic. Garlic's pungent aroma contains allicin, adding an earthy sharpness.
- Peas. Pasta takes up liquid while peas add sweetness to the dish.
- Anchovy. Melted anchovy turns plain pasta into a salty, savory sauce with just oil and garlic.
- Black pepper. Cracked pepper adds a sharp bite to rich, starchy pasta.
Mistakes to avoid
- Salt is necessary to avoid blandness.
- Overcooking weakens gluten, losing sauce.
Ideas for tonight
- Spaghetti aglio e olio
- Pasta primavera
- Meatball and penne bake
Pasta: questions
What does pasta taste like?
Pasta provides substance and carries flavors from sauces well., with an aroma that is neutral, starchy.
What goes well with pasta?
Pasta pairs best with tomato, parmesan, basil, cheddar, mozzarella. Tomato's acidity breaks through pasta's starchiness, a foundational pairing.
How do you use pasta in cooking?
Al Dente Mastery: firm gluten holds sauce, keeps pasta from going mushy.
How should you store pasta?
Store dried pasta in a cool, dry place; cooked pasta should be refrigerated and used within a couple of days.
What is the most common mistake with pasta?
Salt is necessary to avoid blandness.
