What went wrong with my Perfect Pasta side dish?

[Brenda K.]

OK so I am making the Chicken Your Way and the Perfect Pasta (side dish that PC recommended to compliment the Chicken) for a show tomorrow night. I made the Perfect Pasta tonight and the noodles stick together and it wasn't very good. Any recommendations on what maybe I did wrong or what I could do differently? I need help ASAP PLEASE! I followed the recipe to the T. Brenda

 

[esavvymom]

Could you have maybe cooked the noodles too long?? Were they al dente or really soft? Did adding the butter improve it at all?If you still can't get it to work, maybe try the carrots recipe?I don't have the Rice Cooker, so I don't know for sure- just guessing based on pasta's nature.

 

[Brenda K.]

The noodles clumped together and they weren't done so I needed to put it in more time and threw away a lot of noodles. Tonight I am going to try putting a little more liquid in there then the recipe calls for.

 

[cookinfletch]

I undercooked them & let them sit for a while (they stayed nice & hot), so that they ahd a chance to absorb all the water, & they turned out great! I also made the carrots- they were a hit at my show this week!

 

[Brenda K.]

Since I am in no means a fabulous cook. Can you be more specific? How long did you cook them? When you put the noodles in with the chix broth and water - did your liquid cover all the noodles? Thank you!

 

[cookinfletch]

I think I cooked them for 6 minutes- I may have stirred part way through, because the water (broth) didn't cover the pasta. Then I stirred again before I let them sit. Good luck!

 

[6packchef]

Another alternative to the pasta side dish . . . and a bit healthier. When I am in a hurry, I will often times get out my rice cooker, cut up some sweet potatoes, cover with water in the rice cooker and cook in the microwave till tender (maybe 10 minutes). Drain the water and mash with the mix and chop. Melt butter and a little brown sugar either mix in or drizzle on top. Or you could also use one of the seasonings (chipotle etc . . .) and sprinkle on top with butter. Wonderful compliment to either chicken (or fish), your way. Also, could use regular potatoes too!

 

[quiverfull7]

I did the grits on the side dish list tonight at my show and they were a HUGE hit! I coudn't find the smoked gouda but did find smoked cheddar and they were so good!