Spaghetti Sauce That Sticks To Noodles
Spaghetti is perhaps one of the most popular pasta dishes in the United States. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be served with a variety of sauces. However, one of the biggest challenges of making spaghetti is getting the sauce to stick to the noodles. There's nothing worse than having a plate of spaghetti with a watery sauce that slides off the noodles. In this article, we'll show you how to make spaghetti sauce that sticks to noodles every time.
The Importance of Using the Right Spaghetti
The first step in making spaghetti sauce that sticks to noodles is to use the right spaghetti. Not all spaghetti is created equal, and some types of spaghetti are better suited for different types of sauces. For example, thicker spaghetti noodles are better for heartier sauces like meat sauce or bolognese, while thinner spaghetti noodles are better for light, delicate sauces like pesto or marinara.
When choosing spaghetti, pay attention to the thickness of the noodles. You can also try different types of spaghetti, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to see what works best for you.
Cooking Spaghetti to Perfection
The next step in making spaghetti sauce that sticks to noodles is to cook the spaghetti to perfection. Overcooked or undercooked spaghetti can cause the sauce to slide off the noodles. To cook spaghetti to perfection, follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and stir to prevent sticking.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Test the spaghetti for doneness by tasting a strand. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Drain the spaghetti in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
It's important to note that you should never add oil to the water when cooking spaghetti. Contrary to popular belief, adding oil doesn't prevent the spaghetti from sticking together. Instead, it can actually prevent the sauce from sticking to the noodles.
The Secret to Making Sauce that Sticks
Now that you have the perfect spaghetti, it's time to make the perfect sauce. The secret to making sauce that sticks is to add a small amount of the starchy pasta water to the sauce. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
To add the pasta water to the sauce, simply reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Then, add a small amount of the pasta water to the sauce and stir until it reaches the desired consistency.
Other Tips for Making Sauce that Sticks
Here are a few additional tips to help ensure that your sauce sticks to the noodles:
- Make sure the sauce is hot when you add it to the spaghetti. Cold sauce is more likely to slide off the noodles.
- Don't over-sauce the spaghetti. Too much sauce can cause it to slide off the noodles.
- Consider using a thicker sauce. Thicker sauces are more likely to stick to the noodles.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce that sticks to noodles doesn't have to be difficult. By using the right spaghetti, cooking it to perfection, and adding a small amount of pasta water to the sauce, you can ensure that your spaghetti is delicious and satisfying. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to making the perfect plate of spaghetti every time.