Dry Ziti Pasta

Store in a cool, dry pantry. Unopened or in an airtight container, indefinite shelf life.

Salt your pasta water generously—this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

Stir within the first minute of cooking to prevent sticking.

Ziti's hollow center traps sauce beautifully; pair with chunky sauces or creamy dishes.

For baked pasta, slightly undercook (1–2 minutes under package time) so it doesn't turn mushy in the oven.

Overcooking—ziti can turn mushy quickly. Taste at the lower end of the package time.

Not reserving pasta water before draining; starchy water helps sauce cling to pasta.

Rinsing cooked pasta with cold water (removes starch and sauce adhesion)—skip this unless making a cold salad.