How to salt pasta water?
There are usually two camps when it comes to salting pasta water. Camp #1: the non-salters of pasta water and camp #2: the salters of pasta water.
I’m in camp 2. And you totally should be too. 😉
On the back of every single box of pasta, it says to salt the pasta water, but did you know that not one package that I can ever find actually tells you how much salt to salt your pasta water with?
It’s true, my friends. Take a look next time you’re in the pasta aisle at your local grocery store. So, clearly salting your pasta water is important but I NEED you to know how to salt the pasta water. Why? Because, yes, it IS important.
If you’ve never salted your pasta water, it’s never too late. Ever. So, start now with these simple and easy directions. 😉
How To Salt Pasta Water: My Ratio
It’s all about a ratio my friends, and here’s mine:
1:1:4…
That’s 1 pound of pasta (any type) to 1 Tablespoon salt to 4 quarts (16 cups) of water.
It’s that simple, y’all!
Steps To Salting Your Pasta Water
- In a large stockpot, over medium-high heat bring water to a rolling boil. Add the salt. Stir.
- Add uncooked pasta to stockpot. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking together. Drain water.
- Use pasta in your favorite pasta recipe.
- Salting your pasta water is so important and will take any pasta dish to the next level…
So, just do it…
You will NEVER regret it.
For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will impress your family and friends, visit So Damn Delish. Explore my site for your next culinary adventure and discover how to make everyday cooking a breeze!
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Preparation Time: 2 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (boiling)
- Inactive Time: None
- Total Time: 12 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: Serves 4
Discover the ultimate way to enhance your pasta dishes with how much salt to put in pasta water! This simple technique is key to perfect pasta, infusing flavor from the very first bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pasta (any type)
- 4-6 quarts of water
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (depending on taste)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water. Set it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Salt the Water: Once the water is boiling, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. For a subtle flavor, use less salt. For a richer flavor, use more. The water should taste slightly salty, like seawater.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta to the boiling salted water. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water (Optional): Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. This can be used later to help create a silky sauce for your pasta dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drain the pasta and serve it with your favorite sauce or toppings!
Why Salt the Water?
Considering how much salt to add to pasta water? Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out, boosting the flavor of your entire dish. It’s a must-do step for perfect pasta every time!
Tips
- Taste Test: Adjust the salt to your liking by tasting the water after adding the salt.
- Don’t Skimp on Salt: Don’t be afraid to add a good amount of salt. It won't make the pasta salty but will enhance the flavor.
- Sauce Helper: The reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a creamy consistency without additional fats or oils.
Nutrients Fact Per Serving
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: Roughly 100–200 mg (per serving of pasta cooked in salted water)
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Enjoy your perfectly seasoned pasta!
For more delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will impress your family and friends, visit So Damn Delish. Explore my site for your next culinary adventure and discover how to make everyday cooking a breeze!
Print
How to Salt Pasta Water? Tips for Deliciously Flavorful Pasta
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (boiling)
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Tips & Tricks
Description
Salting your pasta water is important! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to salt pasta water. Let's make your pasta's flavor perfect with So Damn Delish!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pasta (any type)
- 4–6 quarts of water
- 1–2 tablespoons of salt (depending on taste)
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water. Set it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Salt the Water: Once the water is boiling, add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. For a subtle flavor, use less salt. For a richer flavor, use more. The water should taste slightly salty, like seawater.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta to the boiling salted water. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water (Optional): Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. This can be used later to help create a silky sauce for your pasta dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drain the pasta and serve it with your favorite sauce or toppings!
Notes
- Taste Test: Adjust the salt to your liking by tasting the water after adding the salt.
- Don’t Skimp on Salt: Don’t be afraid to add a good amount of salt. It won't make the pasta salty but will enhance the flavor.
- Sauce Helper: The reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a creamy consistency without additional fats or oils.
Nutrition
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: Roughly 100–200 mg (per serving of pasta cooked in salted water)
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
