Cooking pasta in sauce without boiling it first is possible and is known as the "one-pot" or "one-pan" pasta cooking method. It has gained popularity due to its simplicity and the fact that it requires fewer dishes to clean up. Here's how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.)
- Pasta sauce of your choice (store-bought or homemade)
- Water or broth (if needed for additional liquid)
Instructions:
Choose a wide and deep pan or skillet that will comfortably accommodate the pasta's length or shape without breaking it.
Add the pasta to the pan, spreading it out evenly.
Pour the pasta sauce over the pasta, making sure it covers the pasta completely.
If the sauce doesn't provide enough liquid to cook the pasta, you can add some water or broth. The liquid level should be just enough to cover the pasta.
Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together and to ensure even cooking.
Cook the pasta in the sauce until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta and the heat level.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
If the sauce appears too thick or the pasta needs more flavor, you can add a little more water or broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the pasta directly from the pan or transfer it to serving plates or bowls.
It's essential to monitor the pasta while cooking to avoid overcooking or drying out the sauce. This method may work better with certain types of pasta and thicker sauces, as thinner sauces might evaporate too quickly. The result may also differ from traditional boiled pasta, as the starches released during boiling contribute to the texture and thickness of the pasta water.
Overall, cooking pasta in sauce without boiling it first can be a convenient and tasty option when you want to save time and reduce the number of dishes used. Experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces to find the combinations that work best for your taste preferences.