6Pasta Water Is Liquid Gold

Italians know the secret to a silky, flavorful sauce lies in the starchy water left behind after boiling pasta. That cloudy liquid isn’t waste — it’s magic. Pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles, creating a smooth, cohesive dish instead of a pile of pasta with sauce slipping off the sides.

Before draining, always reserve a cup of the pasta water. Whether you’re making cacio e pepe or a classic carbonara, just a splash can transform your sauce from basic to bellissimo.