EASY AND QUICK TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE SPAGHETTI AND PASTA

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Pasta and Spaghetti for Beginners

Spaghetti and pasta are staples in most kitchens and provide a delicious and versatile meal that can be adapted to various preferences. From a quick weeknight dinner to a comforting weekend meal, making pasta at home or using store-bought pasta is easy and satisfying. Here’s how to make both!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta (if making from scratch):

2 cups (plus additional for dusting) all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

A pinch of salt

Water, as needed

For the Spaghetti Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 # (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

A pinch of sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

Chopped fresh basil (optional — to garnish)

For Cooking the Pasta:

4 quarts of water

Salt (roughly 1 tablespoon for every 4 quarts water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Fresh Pasta Dough (optional)

If you like just make your own pasta dough from scratch.

On a flat surface, pile up the flour, creating a well in the middle.

Add the eggs to the well along with a pinch of salt. Use a fork to whisk the eggs, slowly adding the flour.

Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to pull it into a ball and knead it. If the dough is sticking to your fingers, sprinkle on more flour; if the dough is too dry to hold together, add a little bit of water (a tablespoon at a time).

Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

Beat the dough with your hands into the loaf shape; then wrap it in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pasta (Optional)

After the dough has relaxed, roll it through a rolling pin or pasta machine until you have thin sheets. Once you’ve got thin sheets, cut them into the desired shape (like fettuccine or pappardelle) or roll them into the traditional spaghetti shape by way of a pasta maker.

Boil the Water

In a large pot, bring salted water to a roaring boil. To help season the pasta itself, add roughly 1 tablespoon of salt for each 4 quarts of water you use.

If you’re cooking store-bought pasta, toss it into the pot of boiling water and cook according to the package directions (typically 8-10 minutes for spaghetti).

If you’re using fresh homemade pasta, it’ll take only 2 to 4 minutes to cook, since it’s thinner than store-bought pasta.

Make the Spaghetti Sauce

Meanwhile, in a big enough frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn it.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, plus the oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, to combine the flavors.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning accordingly. If the sauce is overly acidic, a pinch of sugar will help balance that out as well.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta when it’s done and add it directly to the pan holding the sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat it well.

You can add a splash of pasta cooking water to the pan if you need to loosen the sauce so it will stick better to the noodles.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta, top with fresh basil leaves (optional), and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a flavor punch!

Read more: Tips for Perfect Spaghetti and Pasta

Use good ingredients: Whether you decide to make your own pasta or use a store-bought one, the quality of the ingredients makes a very big difference. Good olive oil, fresh eggs and quality tomatoes can elevate the dish.

No overcooked pasta: Watch your pasta as it cooks — overcooked noodles get mushy, losing their texture. Don’t forget to take your pasta al dente!

Try other sauces: This simple tomato sauce is a classic, but you can also go with creamy Alfredo sauce, pesto or a meat sauce for a different take.

Conclusion

Making Spaghetti and Pasta at Home Is Simple and Fun From scratch or straight out of a box, this recipe will serve as the bedrock for an incredible meal. Spaghetti & Pasta — Spaghetti and pasta are always crowd-pleasers for lunch, dinner or any occasion!