Posso cucinare la pasta stasera?

Can I cook pasta tonight?

Pronunciation

PAS-ta — two syllables, stress on the first.

When to use it

A simple and very Italian request for the shared kitchen. Cooking pasta in Italy is almost a right rather than a privilege.

What it means

'Posso cucinare' = can I cook. 'La pasta' = pasta (with the definite article, as in English 'the pasta'). 'Stasera' = tonight. Cooking pasta in an Italian hostel kitchen is one of the authentic cultural experiences of travelling Italy on a budget.

Variations

C'è una pentola grande per la pasta?

Is there a large pot for pasta?

Pasta requires a large pot with lots of boiling water

Dove compro la pasta e il sugo qui vicino?

Where do I buy pasta and sauce nearby?

Basic pasta ingredients are available at any Italian supermarket for about €2

Posso usare il sale e l'olio della cucina?

Can I use the salt and oil in the kitchen?

Most hostel kitchens have basic condiments available for guests

Mini Dialogue

— Posso cucinare la pasta stasera? — Certo! La cucina è aperta. C'è una pentola grande sul secondo ripiano. — C'è anche il sale? — Sì, e c'è anche dell'olio. La pasta si vende al minimarket dietro l'angolo.

— Can I cook pasta tonight? — Of course! The kitchen is open. There is a large pot on the second shelf. — Is there also salt? — Yes, and there is oil too. Pasta is sold at the mini-market around the corner.

Cultural Note

Cooking pasta in an Italian hostel kitchen is one of the most authentic cheap-travel experiences. Use at least 1 litre of water per 100g of pasta, add salt generously only when the water boils, and follow the packet instructions exactly. Italians are very particular about pasta cooking — and for good reason.

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