One simple trick to enhance the flavor of your pasta at home is to season the cooking water properly. Here's how you can do it:
Use enough water: Use a large pot with plenty of water to cook your pasta. You want the pasta to have enough space to move around freely while cooking. As a general guideline, use about 4-6 quarts of water for every pound (450 grams) of pasta.
Add salt to the water: Before bringing the water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt. The salted water helps to season the pasta from within as it absorbs the water during cooking. As a rough estimate, use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Don't worry about the pasta absorbing all the salt; most of it will be drained off with the cooking water.
Taste the water: As the water comes to a boil and before adding the pasta, taste the water to ensure it's properly seasoned. It should taste noticeably salty but not overly so. If it tastes too bland, add a bit more salt and taste again until it's well-seasoned. Remember, you can't salt the pasta after it's cooked, so it's important to get the saltiness right in the cooking water.
Cook the pasta al dente: Follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package for the recommended cooking time. However, it's essential to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be cooked but still have a firm bite. Undercooking the pasta slightly will give it a better texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, set aside a small cup or bowl of the starchy pasta cooking water. This water can be used to adjust the consistency of your pasta sauce later. The starch in the water can help thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta, adding flavor and a silky texture.
By properly salting the cooking water and cooking the pasta to al dente, you can significantly enhance the taste and texture of your pasta. Additionally, using the reserved pasta water when combining the pasta with the sauce can help elevate the overall flavor of your dish.