Let’s be real—sometimes you want a delicious bowl of pasta without the hassle of complicated recipes or endless steps. I’ve been there, and trust me, I’ve cracked the code for making pasta that’s perfectly cooked, incredibly tasty, and ridiculously easy. If you’re a lazy cook like me (no shame!), you’re going to love this.

Step 1: The Golden Ratio of Water

Forget the giant pot of water! Use just enough water to cover the pasta, about 1.5 quarts for every 8 ounces of pasta. Why? Less water means faster boiling and more concentrated starchy goodness, which is perfect for silky sauces.

Step 2: Salt Like You Mean It

This step makes all the difference. Add a generous pinch of salt—about 1-2 tablespoons per quart of water. It should taste like the ocean. Trust me, this is your only chance to infuse flavor directly into the pasta.

Step 3: Skip the Oil Myth

You’ve heard it before: “Add oil to keep pasta from sticking.” Don’t! The oil creates a barrier that prevents sauce from clinging to your noodles. Just stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks, and you’ll be golden.

Step 4: The Secret to Perfect Texture

Here’s the lazy magic: Cook the pasta one minute less than the package instructions, then finish cooking it directly in your sauce. Not only does this save a pan, but it also lets the pasta absorb the sauce’s flavor for a restaurant-worthy dish.

Step 5: Save That Liquid Gold

Before draining your pasta, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water. It’s the secret weapon for making any sauce silky and rich. Add a splash while tossing the pasta and sauce together, and watch the magic happen.

Lazy Cook’s Pro Tip: One-Pot Wonder

Want to make it even easier? Cook your pasta and sauce in the same pot! Start with slightly more water than usual, add your pasta and sauce ingredients, and let everything cook together. It’s effortless, and the flavor is unbeatable.

With these tricks, making pasta is so simple, you’ll feel like a pro without lifting a finger too much. Try it out tonight—I promise, your lazy self will thank you later!