Stop Throwing Away Pasta Water

Q: How to use frozen pasta water?

1. **Pasta sauces:** When making pasta sauces, thaw a small amount of pasta water and add it to the sauce. This will help make it creamier and improve its consistency. The starch in the water will help blend the ingredients better. 2. **Soups and broths:** Frozen pasta water can be added to soups and broths for thickening and enhancing flavor. Just add the desired amount to the soup while cooking. 3. **Baking:** If you are baking bread or other dough products, you can use frozen pasta water to add moisture and texture to the dough. The starch in the water will help achieve a better crust and crumb. 4. **Risotto:** Making risotto can also be enriched with frozen pasta water. Add a little of the water to the risotto while it cooks to achieve a creamier and more flavorful texture. 5. **Vegetable dishes:** When cooking vegetables, add a bit of thawed pasta water to enhance the dish's flavor. This is especially useful when preparing roasted vegetables or vegetable sides.

How to freeze pasta water?

You have two options when it comes to freezing pasta water. The first option is to freeze it as is, while the second option is to reduce it. Reducing will concentrate the starch, but also the salt, so keep that in mind when deciding between the two. Regardless of your choice, let the water cool completely before pouring it into molds. If possible, freeze on a flat surface.

How to use frozen pasta water?

Pasta sauces: When making pasta sauces, thaw a small amount of pasta water and add it to the sauce. This will help make it creamier and improve its consistency. The starch in the water will help blend the ingredients better.
Soups and broths: Frozen pasta water can be added to soups and broths for thickening and enhancing flavor. Just add the desired amount to the soup while cooking.
Baking: If you are baking bread or other dough products, you can use frozen pasta water to add moisture and texture to the dough. The starch in the water will help achieve a better crust and crumb.
Risotto: Making risotto can also be enriched with frozen pasta water. Add a little of the water to the risotto while it cooks to achieve a creamier and more flavorful texture.
Vegetable dishes: When cooking vegetables, add a bit of thawed pasta water to enhance the dish's flavor. This is especially useful when preparing roasted vegetables or vegetable sides.

What molds to use for freezing?

Fortunately, there are many great ice cube trays that will work for this trick. I recommend choosing a silicone version, which makes removing the cubes easy and not frustrating.

How to store frozen pasta water?

You might be tempted to leave the frozen pasta water in the mold, but don't do it. Once the cubes are fully frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. This frees up space in your freezer and allows you to quickly grab what you need when you need it. Label the bag with what’s inside, along with the date, so you don’t wonder. If you’re wondering how long these frozen pasta water cubes will last, we recommend using them within 6 months.

Is this trick worth trying?

If you have space in your freezer and often wish you had saved a bit more pasta water, then give this trick a try. It can be an easy way to add body to sauces and soups without extra effort.