How to make the perfect pasta dish.

1. Choose the right pasta. There are so many different types of pasta out there, from spaghetti to penne to fettuccine. And, each type of pasta pairs best with certain types of sauce. For example, a light sauce like a tomato sauce pairs best with a thinner pasta like spaghetti. But, a heartier sauce like a carbonara pairs best with a thicker pasta like fettuccine. So, choose your pasta based on the sauce you’re using. 2. Cook the pasta properly. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s actually really important. If you overcook the pasta, it will be mushy and gross. But, if you undercook it, it will be hard and difficult to eat. The key is to cook the pasta until it is “al dente,” which means it is cooked through but still has a bit of a bite to it. 3. Use fresh ingredients. This is especially important for the sauce. A fresh, homemade sauce will taste so much better than a jarred sauce. But, even if you’re using a jarred sauce, try to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. For example, add some fresh basil or parsley to the sauce to give it some extra flavor. 4. Don’t overdo it on the cheese. Cheese can be really delicious on pasta, but you don’t want to use too much of it. A little bit will go a long way. Otherwise, the cheese will overpower the other flavors in the dish. 5. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows all of the flavors to meld together and taste even better.