While pasta cooks, warm a serving bowl and put ricotta in it, along with about half the basil.

While pasta cooks, prepare pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic and cheese.

While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet.

While pasta cooks combine peas and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.

While pasta cooks, heat a saute pan over medium-high heat.

While pasta cooks, place the skillet over medium-high heat, and add tuna.

So the concentration of salt changes as the pasta cooks.

On the al dente front, good pasta cooks learn to trust their instincts.

While pasta cooks, warm olive oil over medium heat and add garlic and fresh chili so they start to sizzle.

While pasta cooks continue to cook sauce, reducing heat when tomatoes begin to break down.