These Viral 'Pasta Hacks' Are Doing More Harm Than Good, According to an Italian Chef
Along with pasta's undeniable popularity comes a swell of hacks promising better, faster cooking results. And while some of these viral tips may do some good, many of them are pure farce, according to an Italian chef I spoke with.
To learn the biggest pasta-making mistakes folks are making, I talked to professional chef and pasta pro Filippo de Marchi, chef de cuisine at De Majo Restaurant & Terrace.
1. Throwing pasta against a wall to see if it sticks
Cooked pasta will indeed stick to a wall but that doesn't mean it's a good way to determine doneness.
Laura Ciapponi/Getty
One of the worst offenses, according to Marchi, is adding pricey olive oil to pasta water thinking it will keep noodles from sticking.
"This isn't the best way to check for doneness," says de Marchi. "The texture of the pasta can change when it hits the wall and it doesn't give an accurate indication of whether it's properly cooked." Plus, you're likely to splatter your wall with starchy noodle juice or worse, watch it slide down the wall and behind the stove.
Instead, scoop out a single strand and taste it. You'll then be able to tell if it's achieved that perfect al dente texture.
2. Adding olive oil to pasta water
Olive oil in your water isn't the best fix for sticky pasta.
Alina Bradford/CNET
Olive oil is a necessary addition to most pasta dishes, but save it for the plate.
Some folks think it will help keep pasta from sticking when added to boiling pasta water but "the oil just floats on top of the water and doesn't coat the pasta effectively," says de Marchi. "The best way to prevent sticking is to use plenty of water, stir the pasta regularly during the first few minutes of cooking and make sure to use the right size pot for the amount of pasta you're cooking.
"This way, the pasta has enough space to move around and cook evenly," he adds.
3. Leaving the pot covered while the pasta is cooking
Stopping your pot from boiling over can be as easy as putting a wooden spoon across the top.
JannHuizenga/Getty Images
"Leaving the lid off the pot while the pasta is cooking is the way to go," advises de Marchi. "This prevents the water from boiling over and helps control the cooking process. Plus, it allows the steam to escape, which helps prevent the water from foaming up and making a starchy mess."
As recommended, be sure to also pick an appropriately sized pot so that your pasta cooks evenly.
4. Adding salt and thinking it will help the water boil faster
Salt won't get your pasta water boiling significantly faster.
Morton Salt/Amazon
Based on a recent Reddit discussion, quite a few people are confused about whether adding salt to pasta water makes any real difference. The truth is that salt plays an important role in pasta water, but not when it comes to heat. (Impurities do change the boiling point of water, but the amount of salt you add to pasta water doesn't make a significant difference.) Rather, it's essential to add salt so that the pasta can absorb its flavor.
"If you're cooking without enough salt, the pasta can end up tasting a bit bland," warns de Marchi, whose signature dish at NHC Murano Villa is spaghetti alle vongole. The seafood dish hails from the region of ocean-adjacent Venice and consists of vongole (typically clams, garlic, white wine, and chili flakes), sea asparagus, and lemon zest.
5. Draining pasta until it's completely dry
Leaving a whisper of pasta water will help the sauce adhere.
David Watsky/CNET
There is a reason why salted pasta water is held in such high regard. Not only does it contain a delicious brine to enhance sauces, but it also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta itself.
"This creates a more cohesive and flavorful dish," argues De Marchi. "A little moisture can go a long way in making your pasta dish extra tasty."
6. Running cooked pasta under water before serving
Rinsing pasta after cooking may not be the special trick we all thought it was.
Getty Images
If you want to subject yourself to a potential injury via a rolling pin or wooden spoon by Nonna, run your cooked pasta under fresh water.
"This can remove the starchy coating that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta," says de Marchi. "The residual heat from the pasta helps the sauce to marry with the pasta, creating a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Think of it like a beautiful marriage -- you want the sauce and the pasta to come together and live happily ever after, not to undergo a cold shower right before serving."
7. Precooking sheets of lasagna
Not all lasagna recipes require precooked noodles.
CNET
"Precooking lasagna sheets isn't always necessary, especially if you're using a sauce with plenty of moisture," he says. "In fact, many lasagna recipes call for using the sheets directly without precooking, allowing them to absorb liquid from the sauce and cook during the baking process."
Set it, forget it and let the magic happen in the oven. Pasta is not something to overthink or stress over. Its simple preparation makes it all the more enjoyable.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Killing Your Knives Slowly? Stop Doing These 7 Things
If you spend any time cooking at home, you know how much easier prep work becomes when your knives are sharp, balanced and in great shape. But even top-quality blades can take a beating if you're not careful. A few common kitchen habits, ones you might not even realize are harmful, can dull or damage your knives fast. Scraping food off a cutting board with the blade's edge or tossing your knives into a drawer without a sheath might feel harmless, but both can shorten their lifespan. Even oversharpening, which seems like a good maintenance habit, can slowly wear down the blade's structure over time. Protecting your knives doesn't require special tools, just a little awareness. By avoiding these sneaky mistakes, you'll extend the life of your knives and make every slice feel effortless. If you're in search of a fantastic new knife, we've got great news. We've tried out more than 10 different options and put together a list of the best chef's knives for 2025. If you already have a knife that's your No. 1, continue reading to find out the most common mistakes people make that can ruin even the most high-quality knife. Read more: Want Your Kitchen Knives to Stay Sharp for Longer? This Simple Trick Will Help 7 easy ways to ruin your favorite kitchen knife 1. Scrape it sideways on a board Using your knife as a scraper is a hard habit to break, but the blade will thank you. David Watsky/CNET Knives are made to cut in only two directions, back and forth and not side to side, so try not to use your good knives in a scraping manner. It may be instinct to move and gather all that chopped food on the board with the blade of the knife but it will damage the edge over time. If you can't break the habit completely, at least try and do it gently and without much downward force. 2. Use it on anything other than wood or plastic Even one slice on a glass or marble surface can do irreparable damage to your chef's knife. David Watsky/CNET There are boards and blocks made from all sorts of materials but many of them are not knife-friendly. Stone or marble boards and glass surfaces should be reserved for serving food, not preparing it (at least not with a knife) since they will dull your blade faster than almost anything else. Bamboo and plastic are the softest -- and often cheapest -- cutting board materials and will be gentle on your blades. Most other types of wood cutting boards, however, have enough give not to damage the blade. 3. Store it freely in a drawer Not only will this setup ruin your knife, but you're bound to hurt yourself eventually. David Watsky/CNET This is probably the biggest mistake folks make with their kitchen knives. I've seen it more times than I can count and it hurts every time. Letting your knives clink around in a drawer with other knives and metal tools will dull or chip them over time. It's understandable to not want a clumsy knife block on the counter, but there are some pretty sleek options these days like this and this You can also buy in-drawer wooden knife racks or sheath your knives in plastic cases. The coolest option may be to store the knives on one of these magnetic knife racks and show off your shiny blades to dinner guests. Just be gentle when placing knives on and removing them from the magnet so as not to scrape the blade. 4. Let it soak in the sink or (*gasps*) put it in the dishwasher Try to get that chef's knife out of the sink and dry it off before you sit down to eat. David Watsky/CNET For several reasons, your knives should never be put in the dishwasher. It'll likely damage the handles, and the blades should never be exposed to water for that long. Speaking of which, never let a knife sit wet in the sink or anywhere else, for that matter. That means no soaking, ever. When you've finished washing it by hand, dry it immediately, or the metal will become susceptible to rust and corrosion. 5. Cut nonfood items or use it as a general tool Don't use a good chef's knife to open your Amazon boxes. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images Good knives may seem like a multipurpose tool but they should only be used for food prep. Try not to cut any nonfood items like plastic, cardboard or other packaging. And don't even think about employing your knife as a screwdriver or lever to pry open something stuck. 6. Use a metal scrubber to clean it Steel wool is great for some dishwashing jobs but will ruin your knife's edge in seconds. mikroman6/Getty It shouldn't come as a surprise that using metal or another rough material to clean your knife blade could lead to big problems. Instead, use hot water and a soft sponge or cloth. Your knives should never be so dirty that those aren't enough to get them clean. 7. Oversharpen the blade Sharpening is good. Oversharpening is bad. David Watsky/CNET There comes a point at which a knife blade can't be sharpened anymore, and if you continue to pound it on a steel or whetstone, you'll only be shaving off the blade itself and shortening the knife's life span. Here's a guide to sharpening your kitchen knives.
CNET
18 hours ago
- CNET
The 7 Must-Try Air Fryer Accessories Every Chef Needs
It doesn't matter whether you're rustling up an appetizer or cooking a full meal, the humble air fryer can do the job. It's true that sometimes the air fryer can be a victim of its own versatility, and sometimes it's relegated to cooking quick and easy meals. But if you pair it with a useful accessory, you might be surprised at just how capable that unsuspecting air fryer is. In fact, get things just right, and the cooking possibilities are basically endless. There's an entire air fryer community on Reddit where members share recipe ideas as well as their favorite tips and tricks for using their air fryers to their full potential. Among the numerous posts, users also ask for suggestions about which air fryer accessories are worth investing in. I took the guesswork out and tested many accessories, so you don't have to. These seven items are a great place to start if you want to elevate your air frying experience. Amazon Tongs If I could recommend only one item to pair with your air fryer, kitchen tongs would be it. I use them nearly every time I use my air fryer. They are perfect for flipping chicken wings or chicken thighs during the cooking process or removing hot food from the air fryer after it's finished cooking. You'll want to make sure to purchase tongs with silicone tips so that they don't scratch your air fryer and the non-stick coating that the majority of the baskets have. $9 at Amazon Amazon Metal rack with skewers Depending on what you're cooking and the size of your air fryer, a double rack can add more cooking space and allow you to cook more than one type of food at a time. The metal skewers, which sit perfectly on the top rack are ideal for cooking both vegetable and meat kebabs. $14 at Amazon Amazon Baking pans Baking pans can open up the possibility of creating additional types of food in your air fryer, such as breads, casseroles and cakes and minimize the mess created inside the appliance. The handle on the bread pan makes it especially easy to lift out of the air fryer. While these baking pans are on the smaller side, they are perfect for cooking meals for two, reheating food or even making a delicious dip. You can choose between 6-, 7- or 8-inch pans. $17 at Amazon Read more: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Air Fryers (but Were Afraid to Ask) Amazon Hot plate gripper Although I was initially skeptical about this tool, I am now thoroughly impressed with its capabilities after testing it. This handy metal claw-like gripper is great for lifting hot dishes out of the air fryer that don't feature a built-in handle. They work especially well with pans and bowls that have a lip. $13 at Amazon Muffin holders Make delicious muffins, rolls or egg bites in this silicone baking accessory. The seven-cup mold is compatible with air fryers baskets that are 5 quarts or larger. The holders are also nonstick, ensuring easy removal after cooking. Amazon buyers love how easy the molds are to clean. (Tip: You can place the mold in the metal pizza pan while it cooks, then use the hot plate gripper to remove it from the hot air fryer with ease.) $8 at Amazon Amazon Meat theromometer A meat thermometer is a must in my household, especially when I'm cooking chicken. If you want to try cooking an entire roast chicken in your air fryer or any other meats, the thermometer will let you know when the food has reached a safe temperature to eat. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while beef and pork should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. $15 at Amazon Amazon Silicone basket liners These liners can make the clean-up process after cooking much simpler, and they are even dishwasher safe. They are ideal for cooking food directly on the liner or for pairing with baking dishes to make removing the dishes from the air fryer a breeze. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that these silicone baskets are quite thick, so if you do cook directly on them, you may need to increase your cooking time. They are compatible with air fryer baskets that are 6 quarts or larger. $10 at Amazon Air fryer recipes to try
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Road to extinction? Europe's birth rates hit rock bottom. These are the least fertile countries
The latest data on fertility across the continent is not far from apocalyptic. For the year 2024, many European countries are reporting their lowest birth rates in several decades, if not on record. While experts say 2.1 children per woman are needed to keep the population's size stable, several countries present numbers consistently below 1.5. Germany: 'Migration sole cause of population growth' Germany's fertility level dropped to 1.35, the lowest level since 1994 (1.24), which came off the back of a recession period. The country's Federal Statistical Office (Statistisches Bundesamt) clearly states that "net immigration was the sole cause of population growth". Yet, despite the numbers added by migrants, the population grew only by 0.1% or 121,000 people last year. In reality, "more people died than were born", says the institute. Data also shows a huge divide between German states. While the population grew in wealthier states, like Bavaria or Hamburg, the sharpest drops were reported in the poorer Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. In neighbouring Austria, the situation was even more concerning in 2024, with the country recording the lowest birth rate on record: 1.32 or 77,238 new children, a 0.5% drop, according to Statistik Austria. Italy: Racing towards becoming a human desert With 166,000 new arrivals, migration slowed Italy's population decline, too, but not enough to prevent a decrease. The country has now fallen steadily to under 60 million people, following years of decline. The birth rate in 2024 hit a new record low (1.18), says ISTAT: For every 1,000 people, only six babies were born, while 11 died. To make matters worse, the number of Italians who left the country (156,000) was three times higher than those who returned (53,000). The largest population drops were reported in the poorer inland areas of the south. France: 'Lowest birth rates since the end of World War One' In France, which is traditionally one of Europe's most fertile nations, numbers are also dropping fast. Its fertility rate in 2024, at 1.62, was the lowest since the end of World War I, said the INSEE. In the past 15 years, the country's fertility fell by a fifth, just about enough to keep a tiny, positive birth/death balance (+17,000), the lowest since the end of World War II. Life expectancy provided the only good news. It has now reached 85.6 years for women and 80 for men, a historic record. Related This is the EU country where babies born to migrants outnumbered local newborns England: Elderly childbearing fences off demographic decline England and Wales are one of the few exceptions in Europe. That's thanks to a surprising rise in babies born to fathers over 60 years old (+14%), which helped trigger the first increase in the number of births in England and Wales since 2021 (+0.6%). On the contrary, births to young mothers and fathers fell, says the INS. The proportion of children born to foreign parents was significantly high: 40% in England and nearly 20% in Wales, marking a steep 34% increase between 2023 and 2024. Spain is another exception. According to INE's provisional data, 2024's birth rates could rise by 0.4%, thanks to an estimated 322,034 new babies. As in other countries, Spain's declining fertility has been accompanied by a rising age among mothers. In the past ten years, the number of mothers aged 40 or above grew by 8.5%. Nordics: Finland reports lowest rate since 1776 (yes, 1776) Finland's fertility rate dropped to 1.25 in 2024, says Statistics Finland. That's the worst rate since data collection began, in the late 19th century, when the territory was still part of Sweden, which is also facing demographic problems. The rate reported by Stockholm for last year is 1.43, slightly above most countries and yet the country's lowest fertility on record, says SCB. The overall number of new children was 98,500, the deepest point in 23 years, as the population decreased in 169 of the country's 290 municipalities. Hungary and Poland: Failure of pro-family policies? Despite recent policies aimed at boosting natality, Hungary and Poland are also part of the crowded low-fertility club for 2024. The statistics published by Warsaw are particularly brutal, with a 1.1 birth rate, meaning the number of new children almost halved compared to 1990 (1.9). Women are also, on average, becoming mothers at 29, much later than 35 years ago, when the average age was just under 23. Hungary makes no exception with 77,500 new babies last year, the lowest amount ever, on top of a 1.38 birth rate, never as low since 2014, according to Hungary's KLS.
