A popular TikToker known for his eye-catching eats shares how to upgrade your pasta with one simple sauce

• Albert Niazhvinski is a popular culinary creator with more than 27 million followers on social media.
• Niazhvinski told Insider how to make lamb shanks with orzo pasta, his go-to pasta recipe.

Albert Niazhvinski knows a thing or two about good pasta.

The cooking savant made a name for himself by making bold, eye-catching dishes on social media, where his @albert_cancook account has more than 27 million followers. While Niazhvinski makes an array of cuisines, his pasta videos have fascinated the internet. One TikTok video showing how to make pasta alla puttanesca has 15.6 million views, while his pesto pasta from Pixar's "Luca" snagged 21 million views.

But despite all the pasta meals he's made, Niazhvinski told Insider that his go-to dish is lamb shanks with orzo pasta. Keep reading to learn Niazhvinski's tips for impeccable pasta and how to make his favorite pasta dish.

Niazhvinski said there are a ton of common cooking mistakes that can ruin pasta

Niazhvinski told Insider that people should avoid three things: overcooking pasta, using too little water, and not salting the water.

He said that overcooking pasta can make it gummy, while not using enough water may make the meal uncharacteristically sticky. And when it comes to salt, he told Insider that not adding enough is a big misstep. In January 2022, chef and restaurateur Simon Couth told Insider that adding salt to water allows the carbohydrates to be seasoned from the inside out and suggested adding "cupfuls" to pasta water.

It's important to keep those flavors in the pasta, so Niazhvinski advised against rinsing cooked pasta. He also said to stir pasta while it cooks to avoid pieces sticking together.

On the flip side, Niazhvinski said there was an additional step for a good pasta dish: a precise boiling time for the pasta. The time it takes pasta to boil depends on the type, but most pasta is done after cooking for eight to 10 minutes.

Niazhvinski explained how to upgrade cooked pasta with a simple sauce

Niazhvinski told Insider he likes to make an aromatic herb sauce, made of various herbs — like basil or thyme — which he sautés with seasoning and spices in a pan. Aromatic refers to the herbs, spices, and vegetables that add a distinct smell — and flavor — to a dish.

After boiling the pasta, Niazhvinski said to save a cup of water that can be used to enhance the aromatic herb sauce.

"Begin with sautéed aromatics, balancing flavors with seasoning, herbs, and spices," he said. "Thicken the sauce through simmering or adding pasta water."

Then, simply toss the drained pasta into the sauce for an even coating.

"Add cheese off the heat to avoid a grainy texture," Niazhvinski added. "Garnish with fresh herbs and explore various ingredients for unique and delightful pasta dishes."

For his lamb shanks with orzo pasta, Niazhvinski said he uses several aromatics

First, Niazhvinski said, "sear seasoned lamb shanks in a hot, oiled pan until browned."

"Remove the shanks and sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in the same pan. Add tomatoes, broth, and herbs, then return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender," he said.

Then, move on to the pasta.

"Separately, cook orzo pasta until al dente, drain, and stir in some butter," he said.

Niazhvinski suggested serving the braised lamb shank on a bed of orzo pasta garnished with fresh herbs "for a delicious and comforting meal."