Think you know how to cook pasta? Most people do, but there’s more to it than just boiling it in water. Cooking pasta is both an art and a science, and there’s a reason why pasta dishes served at gourmet restaurants by top chefs stand out from those made at home.
It all comes down to knowing a few simple tips and tricks, and that’s where Olivieri® has your back. And when we say simple, we mean it. Elevating your Italian-inspired recipes takes almost no time or effort—just a few magic touches. With these top 10 cooking tips, your pasta dishes will truly shine. Let’s dive in.
1. Choose High-Quality Pasta
Think all pasta is the same? Think again. Different brands use different ingredients and preparation methods. By choosing pasta from a trusted producer like Olivieri®, you can bring higher quality taste and texture to your meals.
Try this: Prepare a Cheese Tortellini in Rosé Sauce recipe using Olivieri® 3 Formaggi Tortellini, made with ricotta, Romano, and Parmigiano Reggiano for a rich, creamy flavour. For a finishing touch, sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Salt
If you’ve cooked pasta without a sprinkle of salt, you’re not alone. But skipping this step means missing out on a flavourful kick that can make all the difference. Be generous with the salt, but don’t overdo it—a couple of pinches is enough for a small serving.
Try this: Experience the tantalizing effect of that next sprinkle of salt with this Linguine Italiano, a timeless Italian classic. The salty kick will be even more delicious once you’ve mixed in some Olivieri® Classic Alfredo Sauce.
3. Be Skillful with a Skillet
When it comes to gnocchi, there are two ways to prepare it: boiling or frying in a skillet. The problem is, many people are so used to boiling that they overlook the joys of skillet-frying. Why miss out on golden, crispy gnocchi that are warm and soft on the inside?
Try this: Sauté your gnocchi for just a couple of minutes and watch it turn into a golden-brown delight. Now you’re on your way to making Skillet Cheese Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce. All that’s left is to add a ramekin of tomato sauce and, for an extra herbaceous kick, a dash of fresh basil.
4. Seek the Unique
You don’t always have to stick to typical pasta dishes—there are plenty of varieties that often go unnoticed, to the detriment of our mealtimes. The surprising thing is, some of these lesser-known pasta types are incredibly delicious. Take, for example, Cannelloni, which comes with a variety of delicious filling ingredients.
Try this: Forget the pasta shells, ravioli, or even lasagna for another day, and whip up this easy-to-make Chicken & Prosciutto Cannelloni in Rosé Sauce. It’s rich, flavourful, and, most importantly, something different—making it the perfect way to create a meal that stands out.
5. Use Broth as a Flavour Enhancer
This is one of the most overlooked tricks out there: you don’t have to boil pasta in water. For an extra boost of flavour, try boiling it in broth instead. Swap water for chicken, veggie, or beef broth, and you’ll take your recipes to a whole new level of satisfaction.
Try this: Stir your ingredients in beef broth while cooking this Linguine alla Chitarra with Leeks and Crispy Prosciutto, following the recipe steps. Once you try it, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been cooking pasta in broth all along.
6. Finish Boiling in Sauce, Not Water
Boil your pasta until it’s just shy of ‘al dente’, then finish cooking it in the sauce instead of water. This allows the pasta to absorb more flavour from the sauce. This technique is perfect for dishes where the sauce is mixed in before serving.
Try this: A pinch of parsley and chives is all you need to finish off this Beef Ravioli with Chunky Tomato Basil Sauce. Just serve and enjoy.
7. Get Zesty
A little lemon juice, vinegar, or even capers can give your pasta a distinctive flavour—subtle yet enough to help it stand out. In dishes with rich, heavy sauces, this simple addition can offer a refreshing contrast.
Try this: Squeeze some lemon juice over this Lemon Maple Skillet Gnocchi Salad, toss in some croutons, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Turn Ravioli into One-Pan Wonders
We often think of ravioli as a quick-boil option, adding sauce once it’s ready. However, using it in a one-pan dish lets you create rich, hearty, and comforting pasta meals, packed with satisfying flavour combinations.
Try this: Tasty browned sausage and earthy mushrooms add depth to recipes like this Spinach Ravioli with Sausage & Mushroom. And in a single pan, it’s easily customizable.
9. Layer Lasagna with Care
Good lasagna is all about layering—and we’re not just talking pasta and cheese. Build flavour in every layer with ingredients like garlic, nutmeg, herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra boost.
Try this: Put together a Roasted Zucchini Lasagna by layering thin slices of zucchini for a light, nutritious twist. And don’t be afraid to go generous with the cheese.
10. Fuse Salad with Tortellini
Ever thought of adding tortellini to salad dishes? It may not be a famous practice, but once you try it, you’ll love it. Tortellini makes salads heartier, more flavourful, and incredibly satisfying.
Try this: Go Mediterranean with a Rainbow Tortellini Salad. This dish is loaded with cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and Olivieri® Basil & Cheese Pesto—perfect as a side or a main meal.
Now that you’ve discovered the top tips to make your Italian-inspired meals shine, it’s time to cook something unforgettable. Wondering what to make? Drop by our kitchen and get inspired.