It turns out that timing matters.

Simply Recipes / Sarah Tane

My favorite weeknight meal?

Pasta, hands down.

some pasta lifted from a bot of pasta cooking

Simply Recipes / Sarah Tane

Its not just that spaghetti, rigatoni, and cavatelli tastesogood or aresoversatile.

I also love pasta for dinner because itsquick and easyto prepare.

I wanted to knowwhento add it to the pot and exactly how much I should be adding.

someone adding salt to a pot of water

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So I chatted withChef Lorenzo Boni, the Executive Chef at Barilla, for some clear-cut answers.

When Is the Best Time to Salt Pasta Water?

If you add salt too soon, it will slow down the boiling process.

pot of cooked pasta

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

How Much Salt Should You Add to Pasta Water?

Right, says Chef Boni:The correct ratio is one gallon of water to four teaspoons of salt.

I always recommend plenty of water to start.

Typically one gallon of water for one package of pasta is the recommended ratio.

Always use high heat and hard boiling.

Why Is Adding Salt to Pasta Water Important?

Turns out it isveryessential.

Salt is a crucial element to achieve a perfect al dente texture, says Chef Boni.

Without it, youll never reach that perfect bite and mouthfeel.

Another reason to salt the pot?

Adding salt will keep your pasta from sticking and enhances the subtle flavors of the noodles.

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek