When to Use Dried or Fresh Pasta
If you are obsessed with pasta (and I am!), Then you know that there is a noticeable difference in texture and taste between fresh and dried noodles. But while I have always believed fresh is better than dried, it turns out that this is not the case, and sometimes it is not worth spending money on fresh pasta – and this is very good news for us thrifty carbohydrate loading people.
Unsurprisingly, it all depends on the sauce. Thick, hearty oil-based sauces (like stews) need texture that the dry paste provides. Lighter, dairy-based, creamy sauces (such as alfredo or carbonara) work best with fresh pasta. One sauce that seems to contradict this is bolognese because it has milk in it, so you should serve it with fresh pasta. Now that you know when fresh pasta matters, you only need when it matters.