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The Tiny Italian

Recipes / TTI Top 5s

TTI Top 5 tips: How to cook pasta

Cooking pasta is one of my biggest loves. However, I didn’t always know what I was doing.

10 years ago, I learnt a very important lesson from my Pops. He made sure I learnt how to cook pasta.  Having an Italian father, if there was one thing he wanted to ensure I knew how to do, it was how to cook pasta properly.

I’ll never forget the day when I rushed dinner – I was rustling up a simple dish of spaghetti and tomato sauce. I literally threw a pan filled with water on the hob, chucked in the pasta, cooked it, drained it and served it with a spoonful of tomato sauce on top. A short moment later after serving, he got up from his chair carrying the bowl of pasta, walked into the kitchen and chucked it all in the bin. He then turned to me and said, ‘Start again, no daughter of mine is going to cook pasta like that’.

I felt so ashamed as he genuinely looked really disappointed. At the time it seemed quite harsh but wouldn’t be doing what I am doing, so will alway be forever grateful. From that moment, it’s fair to say that I learnt my lesson and have been cooking pasta the way you should since then.

Here are my top 5 tips for cooking the best pasta..EVER!!

1. Make sure you cook your pasta in a large saucepan (long cylinder shape – ideal).

It’s super important that you cook your pasta in a saucepan that is big enough for it to move freely around in. If you overcrowd your pasta in a smaller pot, your pasta will not cook evenly.

2. Salt x Pasta x Water levels

Every 100g of Pasta should be cooked in 1 litre of boiling water which is seasoned with 6g of salt. However, as most of you probably won’t be bothered to measure it, a generous amount is needed. You want the water to taste like the sea. (The salt must added to the water 30 seconds before the pasta is added to the water).


3. Use the cooking instructions on the packet.

Every packet of pasta will give instructions on how long it takes to cook. A minute before the instructed cooking time, I always check my pasta by tasting a little. I like my pasta ‘al dente’ which means with a bite. If the pasta has the right bite for you by this point then, drain and serve with your sauce. Or cook until instructed. Whatever you do, dont cook it for longer. You will end with a bowl of sticky mushy pasta.

4. Never leave your pasta alone

In Italy there is a saying ‘pasta doesn’t like to be alone’. From the moment you add that pasta to that pot of boiling water, don’t be too far away. Returning late to your pasta cooking, means it is likely to be overcooked and we don’t want that do we! Pasta should be eaten ‘al dente’ with a bite.

5. Serve pasta immediately

As soon as you cook and drain your pasta, stir it into your pasta sauce as soon as possible. The longer you wait to mix together your sauce and pasta, the stickier your pasta becomes and makes it more difficult to stir into your sauce. Plus pasta is at its best when served hot!!

One last thing! To enhance your pasta experience, I would recommend to spend a few more pence on a good pasta brand. Trust me. I’m a pasta expert! It really does make a difference.  De Cecco and Rummo (who has a great gluten free and whole wheat selection) are great commercial pasta brands that you can find in most supermarkets. If you have a few more quids to spare, invest in Mancini, a premium pasta brand from the central Italian region of Le Marche. Not many places stock it but in London you can find it at Larder and Melrose and Morgan. If you’re a pasta aficonado like me, you will appreciate the price you pay for texture and flavour. Its incredible.

Hope you find these tips to cooking pasta useful!

Happy Pasta feasting!! Paola xx

TAGS:cookingcooking pastade ceccoItalian cookingItalian foodPastaPasta mancinipasta tipsrummo
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
11 hours ago
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
2 days ago
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@thetinyitalian

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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
11 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
Peas
Spinach
Leeks
Pancetta
Gnocchi 
Lemon
Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. 
#easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
3 days ago
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3/5
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. 
My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.
From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.
Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. 
I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. 
There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.
This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. 
Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. 
Paola
#homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it.
Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook.
The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives.
I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. 
As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner.
For more info head to the link in my bio.
Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week.
#cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
thetinyitalian
thetinyitalian
•
Follow
If you’re looking to make some time for some fun delicious cooking, make time for you and some self care. My online self care cooking community is all about taking out the stress and overwhelm that you may feel in the kitchen and transform your cooking relationship so that you find the fun, empowering and rewarding side to it. Peoples poor relationships with food is sometimes caused by their resentment of having to cook dinner all the time or maybe they are someone who has always believed they can’t cook. The two unfortunately go hand in hand. And if you want to eat better, you really have to rely on yourself to make that stick. No diet plan or meal plan is going to change how you feel about cooking fundamentally and we need that to change so that we can embrace home cooking for the self care it really can be in our lives. I create this membership specifically for this reason. To be a helping hand, to motivate you, be your cheerleader and remind you that you are worth it. You deserve to nourish yourself with meals that will make you happy, give you pleasure and full of goodness. As well as monthly cook alongs you have an unlimited access to a recipe library which is updated weekly with gorgeous self care meal ideas so that you never have to wonder what to cook for dinner. For more info head to the link in my bio. Oh P.S. prices are going up from Feb onwards so if you want it to have your monthly membership at £35 join this week. #cookingcommunity #onlinecookingclasses #cookathome #selfcaredaily #mindfulcooking #selfloveaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
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