Savor the flavor

Why does fresh pasta always taste better?  In this episode of The IncrEDIBLE Discourse, Chef Mark Grigsby breaks down the secrets behind homemade pasta, from dough technique to sauce pairing and plating. Learn ancient pasta history, kitchen-tested tips for cooking pasta perfectly, and real chef strategies for leading a professional kitchen. It’s the ultimate pasta masterclass—packed with skills, stories, and chef wisdom you can’t find on Google. 

Episode Summary
In Episode 11, Chef Mark Grigsby guides you through the origins of pasta, showing how it evolved from 4,000-year-old noodles to modern pappardelle. Discover the science of making fresh pasta dough from scratch—what flours to use, how gluten works, and how eggs impact texture. Then, follow a full step-by-step breakdown of a Wild Mushroom Ragu with Fresh Pappardelle, built to showcase your homemade noodles.

Next, Mark shares 9 essential pasta cooking tips—why pasta water matters, when to salt, and how to avoid sticky, bland results. Finally, for the pros: we get into professional kitchen management—from building team accountability to avoiding burnout and leading with clarity. Whether you're a home cook or a chef in training, this is one episode you can’t miss.

Key Takeaways

Master Fresh Pasta: Understand how flour protein, egg ratios, kneading, and resting all influence pasta texture. Get tips for rolling and cutting pasta by hand or with a machine.
Make Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Ragu: Use cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms to build umami-packed flavor in a sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
Pasta Cooking Rules: Discover 9 rules every cook should know—from saving starchy pasta water to salting like the ocean and learning the proper pasta twirl.
Run a Kitchen Like a Chef: Learn how to manage a brigade with structure, reduce stress, boost communication, and lead with purpose.
Question for You: What’s your favorite pasta shape and why? Share your creations at theincrediblediscourse.com or tag us on X for a feature!

Timestamps

00:30 – Welcome, Updates & Resources Drop
04:06 – History of Pasta: From the Etruscans to Today
09:11 – Pasta Shapes & Sauce Pairing Breakdown
15:18 – Fresh Pasta 101: Ingredients, Kneading, Resting, Hydration
19:42 – Recipe Walkthrough: Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Ragu
36:47 – Top 9 Pasta Cooking Tips for Home Cooks
48:08 – Chef Advice: Managing Your Kitchen with Leadership
1:01:02 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Links & Resources
Full Recipe & Cooking Guide – theincrediblediscourse.com
Downloadable Resource:
How to Make & Cook Pasta Like a Pro

Featured Gear (Support the show!):
Bench scraper https://amzn.to/4cCDLKj
Digital scale https://amzn.to/3Gb2J7L
Plastic wrap https://amzn.to/3RpEoxk
Rolling pin https://amzn.to/4ij8D3S
Pasta machine (Crank) https://amzn.to/4cxSGFC
Kitchen aid https://amzn.to/4cz7YtQ
Pasta attachment https://amzn.to/4lIr1WX
Pasta cutter https://amzn.to/3EvdnFH
Large pot x2 (6 quart) https://a.co/d/6MJzIoS
Tongs https://a.co/d/2IiiGLd
Colander https://a.co/d/eygw8AS
Ladle https://amzn.to/40LH4ta
Measuring Cups & Spoons https://amzn.to/4287rMp
6qt Dutch Oven https://amzn.to/3Ro1PHm
Wooden Spoon https://a.co/d/d1cpsqI
Microplane/Zester https://amzn.to/44tVoKk

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Call to Action
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Subscribing & Leaving a Review
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Posting your pasta dishes & tagging us for a shout-out!

Cook with love. Plate with pride. Lead with intention.
'Til next time, chefs—you know what time it is!