Learn how to cook gluten free pasta so it is al dente every time! Avoid mushy pasta by following these simple tricks and you'll see that learning how to eat gluten free doesn’t have to be difficult!
Do you hate mushy gluten free pasta? This hack will help you learn how to cook gluten free pasta to tender perfection. Try it with this simple ground pork pasta sauce.
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If you want to learn how to cook gluten free pasta that isn't mushy, keep reading to see this famous pasta hack!
Have you visited a restaurant and found that the staff went so far above and beyond to help you that it left you with a happy feeling inside? I am constantly amazed at how kind and helpful restaurant employees can be.
Being gluten free for medical reasons, I rely heavily on the restaurant staff to make sure our family doesn't get sick when dining out. From the waitperson who helps us muddle through the menu trying to find out what items are safe to eat, to the chef who took a few minutes to leave his busy kitchen to answer my questions about cross-contamination.
My husband and I wanted to try to a new Italian restaurant, Sorrelle Italian Bistro in Campbell, CA, that opened up just a few minutes from our house. When I called to ask if they had any gluten free options, the owner told me they didn't have gluten free pasta dishes.
The owner then offered something wonderful. She told us that if we brought a bag of our own gluten free pasta, they would create something special for us."
No restaurant has ever offered something like this and we were intrigued. We decided to give this new restaurant a try, so I packed a bag of gluten free pasta in my purse.
When our pasta dishes came out, I couldn't believe how delicious the pasta was. It was firm. It is the first gluten free pasta I could say was really al dente! When I cooked gluten free spaghetti and pasta, I usually ended up with something a little mushy.
Over the years my kids have been brainwashed to accept "mushy" gluten free pasta. After a while, they forgot what real firm pasta was even like."
The restaurant used the same brand of pasta that I use (obviously since I brought the bag!) and I couldn't figure out what they could have done differently. I was so curious to know how they cooked the pasta.
When I complimented the owner, I begged for her secret. She told me exactly how to cook gluten free pasta to al dente.
How to cook gluten free pasta:
I am so excited to share this simple pasta hack with you!! It has put gluten free pasta back on the menu in our home. Even better, this works for every type of gluten free pasta!! Try it with this Gluten Free Fettuccine Alfredo recipe!
The secret to firm pasta starts with an ice water bath. This halts the cooking process immediately so the pasta doesn't continue to cook in the colander. Trust me, this works on all brands of gluten free pasta.
The chef's secret tip:
To make an ice water bath, add ice and water to a medium-sized bowl. Add your pasta. This will halt the cooking process so your pasta doesn't get mushy.
Now that you know how to cook gluten free pasta, you can use the method when you make your favorite gluten free pasta dishes!
Great sauces to use with pasta:
- This ground pork pasta sauce is thick and meaty and tastes amazing on any gluten free pasta, or Zoodles.
- My whole family loves this three meat pasta sauce. It is hearty and delicious.
- Why not try this homemade gluten free Alfredo sauce on that pasta?
Common pasta cooking questions:
The secret to firm pasta starts with an ice water bath. This halts the cooking process immediately so the pasta doesn't continue to cook in the colander.
If you drain your pasta in a colander, or drain it and leave it in the pot, the heat from the pasta continues cooking the pasta and you can end up with mush.
Gluten free pastas have different cook times because they are made with different ingredients. Some are made with rice, corn, legumes, and often a combination of ingredients. These all require different cook times.
There are several new kinds of pasta on the market that are made with legumes like garbanzo beans and lentils. These are naturally gluten free, but just to be sure, always read the labels. Try this fun Mexican Pasta Salad recipe that features lentil penne pasta.
Tools:
- A good metal colander. Don't use a plastic colander for hot pasta. Most plastic is not safe when heated and it can release chemicals into your food.
- This large mixing bowl to do an ice bath.
📖 Recipe
How to Cook Gluten Free Pasta and My Favorite Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked gluten free pasta
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat.
- Add garlic and saute until golden.
- Add fresh basil and saute another 2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, capers, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes.
- Toss with cooked gluten free pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- To halt the cooking process and avoid mushy pasta, give that pasta an ice bath! To make an ice water bath, add ice and water to a medium-sized bowl.
- I prefer to use Jovial or Tinkyada gluten free pasta brands, but Barilla is also delicious.
Nutrition
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Joni
This may seem like a dumb question but isn't the pasta ice cold when you eat it? I wouldn't think putting some warm sauce on top of it would warm it up enough.
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Joni, the sauce warms it up... the pasta doesn't sit in the ice too long, it is just a quick shock to stop the cooking.
Qiao
This is a GREAT tip! Thank you Sandi for sharing it. I will be using this method to cook all GF pastas from now on.
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad it is helpful Qiao :-).
Michelle
This hack is a life saver!
And such a kind and thoughtful thing for the restaurant to do!
Sandi Gaertner
I was so excited. This restaurant has certainly gotten very popular. It is tiny and they always have a line out the door of people waiting because they don't take reservations.
Trang
Great tips! Mushy pasta is the worst, my husband likes them perfectly al dente.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Trang...it is funny giving pasta an ice bath, but it also makes a lot of sense.
Rachel @ {i love} my disorganized life
Would you believe I already knew this, but never do it? LOL Silly, to say the least!
Sandi Gaertner
I still forget if I'm in a hurry.