The Best Way to Cook Fresh Pasta

Fresh pasta is one of life’s simple pleasures – silky, tender, and full of flavour. Unlike dried pasta, it cooks in just minutes, but getting it just right is all about technique. Here’s how to ensure your fresh pasta is always perfectly cooked.

1. Use Plenty of Water

Choose a large pot and fill it generously with water. Fresh pasta needs space to move freely and cook evenly. For best results, use about 1 litre of water per 100g of pasta.

2. Salt Like the Sea

Once the water is boiling, add salt – and don’t be shy! Fresh pasta has a delicate flavour that’s elevated by well-salted water. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 litres of water. It should taste like a mild sea.

3. Cook for Just a Few Minutes

Drop the fresh pasta into the rolling boil and stir gently so it doesn’t stick. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried – usually 2 to 4 minutes depending on thickness and filling. Ravioli, girasoli, and stuffed pastas may take a little longer, but keep an eye on them.

4. Taste, Don’t Just Time

The best test is always a taste. Fresh pasta should be al dente: tender but with a slight bite. Overcooking will make it mushy, so check early and often.

5. Save the Pasta Water

Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy, salty pasta water. It’s liquid gold for finishing your sauce - helping it cling to the pasta and creating that restaurant-style silky texture.

6. Pair It With the Right Sauce

Fresh pasta shines with simple, fresh sauces.

The rule of thumb: lighter sauces for delicate shapes, richer sauces for hearty ribbons or stuffed pasta.

7. Serve Immediately

Fresh pasta waits for no one! Toss it straight into your sauce, mix, and serve hot. That’s when it’s at its absolute best.

✨ Pro Tip: If you’ve bought fresh pasta to freeze, you can cook it straight from frozen – just add an extra minute or two to the boiling time.

👉 Ready to try it yourself? Shop our full range of fresh and filled pastas and bring restaurant-quality plates to your kitchen in minutes.