Stop Boiling Pasta Wrong; Tips You Can Only Learn at Luxe Colombo

Think all pasta is created equal? Think again. We've seen too many people overcook, under-salt, or rinse away the very flavors that make Italian pasta magical. Let's fix that, with a few simple tips and a little musical help.

1. Salt Like an Italian
Pasta water should taste like the sea. Use salt generously, this is your first layer of flavor.

2. Timing is Everything
Al dente is not just fancy talk. Cook pasta until tender but still firm to the bite. Check the package instructions, but always taste a minute before the suggested time. 

Pro tip: Barilla even has a Spotify playlist that tells you how long to boil your pasta , just hit play and cook along to the beat!

https://open.spotify.com/user/w2p1oq867ns7jele6g3lw66fk?si=6cc3c91e989c48e5

3. No Oil in the Water
Many add olive oil to prevent sticking, but this coats the pasta and prevents sauces from adhering. Skip it, and stir well every few minutes.

4. Save the Pasta Water
Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water. The starch in the water helps sauces cling perfectly and makes your dish silky without extra cream.

5. Sauce Meets Pasta, Not the Other Way Around

Toss pasta directly into your pan of sauce instead of pouring sauce over drained pasta. The heat and starch help the sauce bind beautifully.

6. Quick Luxury Tip:
Finish with grated Parmigiano Reggiano or a drizzle of truffle oil. Instantly, your simple pasta feels restaurant-worthy.

Perfect pasta isn’t about fancy techniques or long cooking times, it’s about small details done right. With Luxe Colombo’s tips, quality ingredients, and even a musical cooking guide from Barilla, you’ll never look at boiled pasta the same way again.