Liquid | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Diet (if gluten-free pasta used) Low Calorie Diet (negligible calories)

Pasta Water

Aqueous starch solution Allergens: Gluten (if wheat pasta used), None (if gluten-free pasta used)
Pasta Water

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Processed byproduct)
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Wheat (or other grain for pasta) and water

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

The starchy, salted water remaining after cooking pasta, crucial for emulsifying sauces and binding them to pasta.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, subtly starchy
TextureSlightly viscous, cloudy
AromaNeutral, subtle cooked pasta
AcidityNeutral (Med)

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 15g
Calories5-15 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate1-3 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium0 mg

Chef’s Secret

The saltiness of the pasta water should be like the sea to properly season the pasta from within and contribute to sauce depth.

Substitutions

Best Match

Water + Cornstarch Slurry

1 tbsp pasta water : 1 tbsp water + 1/4 tsp cornstarch

Mimics thickening and emulsifying properties.

Vegetable Broth

1:1

Adds moisture and some savory depth, but lacks starch.

Plain Water (salted)

1:1

For moisture, but won't emulsify or thicken sauces as effectively.

Cream

1:1

Adds richness and thickening, but changes flavor profile significantly.

Buying Guide

Not a bought ingredient, but a byproduct. Always reserve some before draining pasta.

Flavor Pairings

All pasta dishes especially those with emulsified sauces like Cacio e Pepe Carbonara or simple tomato sauces.

Recipes Using Pasta Water

Kid Friendly Cuisine Cheese 15 Minutes Or Less

15 Minute Parmesan Pasta

Ready in just 15 minutes, this cheesy Parmesan pasta recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! Use your favorite pasta shape for a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect as a main course or a delicious side dish. This simple recipe, inspired by Kraft, is easily customizable to your taste.

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Penne Penne Technique Main Dish

A Feel Good Meal

Banish guilt with this vibrant, low-fat, low-calorie pasta dish! Inspired by a world food adventure, this recipe uses fresh garden herbs and vegetables to create a comforting yet healthy meal. Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber, while a touch of hot pepper adds a delicious kick. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that's both flavorful and good for you!

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Preparation Preparation Pasta Course

Almost As Simple Pasta With Parmesan Herbs And Fresh Garlic

This family-favorite pasta dish is unbelievably quick, easy, and adaptable! Customize the herbs to perfectly complement your main course. Using pantry staples, you'll create a delicious meal the whole family will devour. Reheats beautifully after refrigeration (freezing untested). Get dinner on the table in under 20 minutes!

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Savory Sauces Time To Make Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less

America's Test Kitchen Ragu Alla Bolognese

Experience an umami explosion with this rich and decadent Bolognese sauce, enough to coat 2 pounds of pasta! This America's Test Kitchen recipe, inspired by Season 13's Ultimate Italian episode, delivers a silky, meaty sauce that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal. Leftovers? Even better! Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Get ready to pass the Parmesan!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Healthy Course Low Cholesterol

Angel Hair Pasta And Lemon Parsley Sauce

This vibrant and light pasta dish elevates simple angel hair pasta with a burst of fresh lemon and parsley. Traditionally served with veal shanks, this zesty gremolata sauce is surprisingly delightful with the delicate pasta. The key is to cook the angel hair perfectly al dente and serve it immediately for the ultimate culinary experience. Get ready for a taste of sunshine in every bite!

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Pasta Main Ingredient Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains

Angel Hair Pasta With Lemon And Garlic

Experience a taste of Oprah's personal chef's culinary magic! This light and zesty angel hair pasta dish, inspired by Rosie Daley, is bursting with fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, and a touch of white wine. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's both elegant and satisfying. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a light lunch.

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Occasion Fruit Preparation High Calcium

Arugula And Walnut Pesto

Experience a delightful dance of flavors with this vibrant Arugula and Walnut Pesto! The robust, earthy walnuts perfectly counter the peppery bite of arugula, creating a surprisingly addictive sauce. This easy recipe is ready in minutes and elevates any pasta dish to gourmet status. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Easy Cuisine 3 Steps Or Less

Asian Garlic Butter Noodles

Experience a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy 15-minute Asian Garlic Butter Noodles recipe, inspired by Jaden Hair's "Steamy Kitchen Cookbook." This recipe delivers rich, savory, and slightly sweet noodles coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend treat!

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Stove Top Time To Make Asparagus 30 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Pasta Supreme

Celebrate spring with this vibrant Asparagus Pasta Supreme! This recipe, inspired by a magazine favorite, offers a delightful twist on classic pasta, showcasing the fresh flavors of the season's best asparagus. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal or elegant side dish.

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Low Sodium Time To Make Seasonal Main Dish

Asparagus Mushroom Primavera

A vibrant and flavorful Asparagus Mushroom Primavera recipe, inspired by Better Homes and Gardens! This delightful dish combines tender asparagus and savory mushrooms in a light and elegant sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves four generously with 1 1/2 cups each. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Dietary Main Dish Number Of Servings Pasta Rice And Grains

Bacon Tomato Spaghetti Carbonara

A twist on the classic carbonara! This recipe combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy egg sauce for a quick and flavorful spaghetti dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

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Seasonal Stove Top Served Cold Spring

Baked Farfalle With Broccoli

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This easy baked farfalle pasta recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, inspired by a beloved family recipe. Tender broccoli florets and perfectly cooked farfalle pasta are tossed in a garlicky butter sauce and baked to golden perfection. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a weeknight winner the whole family will adore!

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Easy Time To Make Preparation Cheese

Baked Pasta With Spinach Ricotta And Prosciutto

This easy and delicious baked pasta recipe is bursting with flavor! Creamy ricotta, salty prosciutto, and tender spinach combine for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easily customizable to your liking. Try adding red bell peppers for extra sweetness and color!

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Course Pasta Taste Mood Easy

Baked Three Cheeses And Buttered Spirals

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Baked Three Cheese & Buttered Spiral Pasta! This comforting classic, inspired by an old Super Food Ideas magazine recipe, features tender pasta spirals tossed in melted butter, sauteed onions, and a heavenly blend of cream cheese, blue cheese, and cheddar. A quick bake melts the cheeses to perfection, creating a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Get ready to be amazed!

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Pasta Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Course

Baraonda's Penne Salsiccia

This incredibly simple recipe delivers a flavor punch that will leave you wanting more! Enjoy perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a creamy, savory sauce with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and shallots. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.

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No Cook Seasonal Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Italian

Basil Walnut Pesto

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and flavorful Basil Walnut Pesto! Rich in healthy fats and bursting with fresh basil flavor, this recipe is quick, easy, and surprisingly healthy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pesto is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience pesto perfection!

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Course Main Ingredient Beef Course

Bell Alimento Bolognese Sauce

This incredible Bolognese sauce recipe, adapted from Paula at Bell'Alimento (http://www.bellalimento.com/2009/11/10/bolognese-sauce/), is a flavor explosion! Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, this slow-cooked masterpiece will become your new go-to for pasta nights. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe yields enough for two large jars of deliciousness.

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