Perfect Pasta

Pasta dishes are a favorite in our home (maybe that contributes a bit to my menopause middle, giggle). So I thought I would share some of my “perfect pasta” methods.

YES-Use plenty of water, the ideal amount is 4 to 6 qt. per lb. of pasta. This allows the pasta enough room to cook without sticking together.

NO- There is no need to add oil. If you have enough water, you won’t need to add oil to prevent sticking.

YES – Add salt for flavor but not too much; remember that your sauce will also add flavor.

YES- Stir pasta when you first add it to the water to prevent it from sticking together and to the bottom of the pot.

NO-Don’t throw noodles against the wall to test for doneness (not even if you’re angry) remember you’ll just have to clean your wall later. Instead, use the cooking time on the package directions as a guide. Then try a piece to see if it’s the right texture. I like my pasta “al dente” (a little chewy), but you might like it softer.

NO- Don’t rinse cooked pasta; you’ll rinse away the starch, which actually helps the sauce stick. Only rinse pasta if it will be used in a cold salad.

Now that you’ve got perfect pasta down, try this recipe.

Lobster Linguini

What You Need

4 lobster tails (2 pounds total), thawed if frozen

6 Tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup garlic, about 6 cloves ( chopped)

2 cups onion (diced)

3 cans (14-1/2 oz. each) diced Italian tomatoes

1-1/2 tsp dried oregano

1-1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground mace

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 can (15 oz.) tomato puree

2 Lbs. Linguine

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup fresh parsley (coarsely chopped)

Dutch oven

Large pasta pot

Bowl with cover

Large serving bowl

Food Processor

Colander

Before You Start: Remove meat from lobster shells and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

Let’s make it! Heat 3 Tbsp oil in a Dutch oven, add 3 Tbsp garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add lobster meat; sauté 5 minutes. Remove lobster and place in a bowl and cover. Add remaining oil, remaining garlic and onion to Dutch oven; sauté 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, mace, pepper, bay leaf and tomato puree; cook over medium-low heat 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf and discard. Meanwhile, cook linguine in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Using a colander drain and place in large bowl Drain and keep warm. Remove 2 cups tomato mixture and place in food processor. Puree return pureed mixture to pot. Add lobster meat with any accumulated juices; cook 2 minutes or until lobster meat is cooked through. Remove from heat. Stir in cream. Pour sauce over the top of the linguini and top with parsley. Toss well to mix.

Serves 6-10