Master the 10‑100‑1000 Pasta Rule for Foolproof Pasta

Ever wonder why some pasta comes out sticky while other batches feel just right? The secret is a simple math trick most chefs swear by: the 10‑100‑1000 rule. It means 10 minutes cooking time, 100 g of pasta per person, and 1 L of water for every 100 g. Follow it and you’ll get al dente pasta without guesswork.

First, measure your pasta. A standard serving is about 100 g – that’s roughly a handful for long noodles or a small mound for short shapes. If you’re feeding two, double it. Using a kitchen scale removes the “too much” or “too little” drama and keeps the water ratio accurate.

Step‑by‑Step: Boil, Salt, Stir, and Time It

Grab a pot big enough to hold 1 L of water for each 100 g of pasta. For a single serving, a 2‑liter pot works fine. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add a good pinch of salt – about 1 % of the water weight. The salt flavors the pasta from the inside out.

Drop the pasta in, give it a quick stir, and set a timer for 10 minutes. Most dried pasta hits al dente around the 8‑minute mark, but the extra two minutes give you a safety net. Taste a piece at 8 minutes; if it’s firm but not raw, you’re done. If you like a softer bite, let it go another minute.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Pasta Perfect

Don’t cover the pot while cooking – steam makes the pasta gummy. Stir occasionally, especially in the first 2‑3 minutes, to stop the noodles from sticking together. When the timer’s up, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining. Adding a splash back into your sauce helps it cling better to the pasta.

Skip the oil in the water. It creates a slick surface that prevents sauce from sticking. If you’re making a cold pasta salad, rinse quickly under cold water after draining to shut off the cooking process.

Now that you know the rule, experiment with it. Try whole‑wheat spaghetti or gluten‑free penne – the 10‑100‑1000 math still applies, just watch the exact cooking time on the package. With this cheat sheet, you’ll never wonder if your pasta is right again.

So, next time you fire up the stove, remember: 10 minutes, 100 g per person, 1 L of water. It’s all you need for pasta that’s just the right bite, the right texture, and the right flavor every single time.