How To Use Pasta Water

Before you dump that pasta water down the drain, think again! This starchy liquid is a secret weapon in the kitchen and beyond. From creating silky, restaurant-quality sauces to giving your plants a little extra love, there are plenty of uses for pasta water that go beyond cooking.

Today, we’ll cover exactly what to do with pasta water and why it’s worth saving. Plus, Chef Lorenzo Boni shares expert tips on how to use it like a pro.

How Much Salt Should You Put Into Your Pasta Water?

Chef Lorenzo: "I recommend 1 Tablespoon plus 1 Teaspoon per gallon of water."

When Should I add Salt to Pasta Water?

"Add salt to your pasta water right before you add your pasta."

Should I Add Oil To Pasta Water?

"Skip the oil. Oil and water don't mix."

Thickening Pasta Sauces

"Pasta releases a small amount of starch while cooking in the water. While adding pasta water to the sauce, you’re also adding some starch too, which will help the sauce cling to the pasta. Moreover, a good pasta dish should always be moist and hydrated for a better mouthfeel experience, so adding pasta water is key to creating a good emulsion with the sauce, thus coating the pasta cuts perfectly."

Finish the Pasta in a Skillet

"One other benefit of pasta water is that it allows you to drain the pasta a bit undercooked and finish it in the skillet with the sauce without getting dry. The process of finishing the pasta with the sauce and some starchy pasta water is key to marrying the flavors of pasta and sauce together."

How Much Pasta Water Should You Save:

"A good rule of thumb is to reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water every time you make pasta. Make sure to take a measuring cup and take the water out right before draining the pasta."

See our Barilla Kitchen Tips | Save Your Pasta Water Video Here!

Pasta Sauce Flavor Enhancement

Wondering why else to save pasta water? "The answer is simple: it enhances the flavor of your sauce. Using pasta water is always good for any pasta dish; however, for the nature of the sauce, the most evident benefit is seen with butter and extra olive oil-based pasta. The starch in the water and the added moisture will help create an emulsion, resulting in a creamy “sauce” that coats the pasta perfectly. For tomato-based and creamy sauces, the need for pasta water is less important; however, as mentioned before, it’s always beneficial to marry the flavors together by finishing the pasta with sauce and a bit of cooking water to prevent it from getting too dry."

Pasta Water for Plants

Wondering if pasta water is good for plants? The answer is yes, but only if it’s unsalted and unseasoned. The starch in pasta water can act as a natural fertilizer, giving plants a small nutrient boost. However, salted pasta water can be harmful, so be sure to use plain, cooled pasta water for best results.

How to Use Pasta Water for Plants

1. Let the Pasta Water Cool Completely.
2. Make Sure It’s Free Of Salt, Oil, or Seasonings.
3. Pour It At the Base Of Your Plants, Avoiding the Leaves.

For more content and videos of Chef Lorenzo's recipes, check out his profile on Instagram—or browse a collection of his dishes on our website here!