Pasta can be served also in broth (pastina, or stuffed pasta, such as tortellini, cappelletti and agnolini) or in vegetable soup, typically minestrone or bean soup (pasta e fagioli).
But after years of testing pasta techniques at Serious Eats, we've had to unlearn some of those habits. A lot of the "rules" turn out to be more flexible than they seem; sometimes they're wrong. You don't need oil in the water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
How to Make Melty Cabbage Pasta Carbonara (Step-by-Step). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add anchovies and their oil, and press them into a soft paste for about 12 minutes so they dissolve into the fat.

Speaking of clinging, starchy pasta water is another key to helping a light, silky sauce adhere to pasta properly. So don't forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta. Not only is there a sweet spot for timing and temperature when it comes to adding light sauce to pasta...
Embrace Pasta Water: The starchy water saved from cooking pasta is your secret weapon for a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce. Add it gradually to reach your desired consistency.How to Serve and Pair. This Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is wonderfully versatile and shines on its own.

Try this quick and easy pasta soup with tortellini, spinach, and creamy tomato broth. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect vegetarian comfort food for 4 servings.