A good pasta, made from durum wheat semolina, should possess several essential characteristics for proper cooking. First, It should be made from high-quality semolina flour that is milled from the hardest part of the durum wheat kernel. This will give the pasta its characteristic yellow color, firm texture, and nutty flavor. Also, the pasta should have a consistent and uniform shape, with a smooth surface free of cracks and blemishes. This allows for even cooking and ensures that the pasta doesn’t stick together or break apart during cooking. Last but not least, the pasta should end up not extra soft of mushy, or too hard it would break like if it was undercooked. Well, this pasta from Aldi does not seem to comply all these requirements that are like legislations in Italy, the land of pasta and pizza.
The perfect point is called al dente, and this penne from Aldi will end up either too mushy, if you cook it too much, or hard if the heat is not enough. If you’re a regular shopper at its stores, there are lots of chances that you’ve come across their popular Pagasa penne pasta. But is this budget-friendly pasta really worth adding to your cart? Let’s take a closer look at what customers on Reddit are saying and what you should keep in mind before cooking up a pot of this pasta.
The Aldi Pasta That Never Cooks Well, and People Hate That
One of the most common complaints about ALDI’s Pagasa penne pasta is its tendency to become mushy when cooked. According to a Redditor, the pasta is far from the toothy, al dente texture that many pasta lovers crave. While this may be disappointing for those looking for a restaurant-quality dish, it can still work well in certain dishes, such as those with jarred sauces, Mexican-style meals, or baked casseroles. But, if you’re having Italian friends coming over, maybe you must opt for some other brands that will deliver better cooking points.
While many shoppers have found the Pagasa penne pasta to be mushy, some claim that other cheap pastas at Aldi suffer from the same problem. In fact, one shopper reports that they experienced the same issue with other cheap pasta options from ALDI, even when they undercooked the pasta. A man said that it “gets very mushy and breaks apart. Not worth the savings from getting the regular Aldi brand,” and others were quick to agree. Some people on TikTok have also shared videos ranting against this low-cost penne rigati, saying it’s not the best in the market and that should be reviewed by the brand.
Always Cook Your Pasta Al Dente
Whether you’re cooking Aldi’s Pagasa penne pasta (or any other pasta, it’s the same for them all), it’s important to cook it al dente. This means that the pasta is cooked enough to be tender but still has a firm bite. Cooking pasta past this point can lead to a loss of nutrients and a higher glycemic index. Overcooked pasta can also turn into a dough-like substance that can be difficult to digest and cause discomfort in the digestive tract.
The best temperature and time for cooking penne rigati pasta depends on personal preference, as well as the specific brand of pasta being used. However, a general guideline is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. As I’ve said before, avoid overcooking it, because it’s not gonna be a pleasant dish.