The Secret To Simple Pasta Dishes According To A Chef

The best ingredients for a simple pasta dish

One of the finest ways to create a delicious pasta dish is by using homemade pasta. A positive sign at any Italian restaurant is a kitchen that prepares its pasta dough from scratch, and the same principle holds true at home. By dedicating the time to make it yourself (or purchasing it fresh from someone who has), you won’t need much else to savor the dish, as you’ll be able to appreciate its natural flavors without masking them with excessive ingredients.

Pasta also deserves a high-quality cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes, all it takes to elevate fresh pasta is a bit of parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and premium olive oil. It’s a tried-and-true combination. And when it comes to parmesan, opt for a fresh wedge from the store instead of the pre-grated canned variety; you can grate it at home. Your local cheesemonger can recommend the best cheese for the specific pasta you’re preparing.

Finally, if you have white wine and vegetables on hand, you already have the makings of a sauce. Simply heat up some tomatoes and onions, simmer in white wine, and sprinkle with parmesan — it’s that easy. Many Italian households avoid using separate cooking wine, which can be overly salty, and instead use whatever they’re drinking. That’s a great tip: why not choose something you can enjoy while you cook? Investing in quality ingredients will lead to fantastic pasta dinners, as chef Taylor Hester advises.