The Trick To Reheat Pasta Noodles Without Sauce

pasta without sauce in colander
pasta without sauce in colander - Gmvozd/Getty Images

Pasta is a delicious and versatile food, but it can be tricky to reheat without sauce. Dry noodles can quickly turn into a starchy, unappetizing solid mass, so keeping them hydrated during the reheating process is crucial. Fortunately, there is a simple trick that can help you reheat sauceless noodles perfectly every time, and it couldn't be easier. The key to success is introducing and preserving moisture, and a tried and tested technique to do so is using a metal colander to dunk the pasta into boiling water. (Don't use plastic for this because it could melt.)

This method works because it quickly heats the pasta without overcooking it. The boiling water also helps to loosen any starch that has caused the pasta to stick together. Simply boil a pot of salted water and safely dip the colander full of noodles into it for no more than 30 seconds. If you're reheating a large amount of pasta, you may need to dip the colander into the boiling water multiple times, but check them as you go to make sure they're not getting mushy. No colander? No problem! Use a metal strainer or a slotted spoon instead. Finally, be careful not to overcrowd the pot, or the water will stop boiling.

Read more: 21 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Rice

The Golden Rule: Embrace Moisture

ravioli without sauce in bowl
ravioli without sauce in bowl - Anton27/Shutterstock

For kitchen novices, reheating leftover pasta without sauce can be a challenging task. But fear not; there are additional tricks to rejuvenate your noodles and restore them to their former glory without sauce and maintaining that delightful al dente texture. For example, you can use your oven to reheat pasta. Preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, and add a few tablespoons of olive oil or cooking spray. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is heated. You can also reheat pasta noodles without sauce in the microwave. Just be sure to add a few drops of water or broth before microwaving, and stir every 60 seconds to prevent the pasta from clumping. These simple tricks allow you to quickly reheat the noodles and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal any time of day.

Reheating pasta noodles without sauce is a manageable task. By embracing the power of moisture and choosing a suitable reheating method, you can revive your leftovers and enjoy them as if they were freshly cooked. So, the next time you have leftover pasta, don't hesitate to use these tips and savor the deliciousness of reheated noodles.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.