Abstract: A machine for the rapid and simultaneous cooking of separate quantities of pasta consists of a cabinet containing a number of cooking pots. Each load of pasta is suspended in a pot by means of a perforated basket. The apparatus includes supplies of hot water and of steam. A valve assembly operated by a controller charges each pot with hot water and then injects steam into the water to maintain it at a boiling temperature to cook the pasta. After an appropriate cooking time, determined either by the controller or manually, the supply of steam is stopped and the pot is drained. The basket with the cooked pasta can be removed from the pot for serving.