Part 5/6:
Tips and Personal Preferences
Cooking Pasta: The author prefers to cook the pasta just shy of al dente, finishing the cooking process in the pan to better absorb flavors.
Cheese Addition: Instead of mixing cheese directly into the pasta during cooking, serving it on the side allows for a lighter finish, which is the author's personal preference.
Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water when draining; it acts as a natural emulsifier for the sauce, giving it a smooth, cohesive texture.
Olive Oil Quality: Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor, with options like Costco's Spanish extra virgin or Frantzoyas being excellent choices.