Host Alton Brown journeys to the center of the onion. After rediscovering a kitchen classic, and debunking the mythology of tear-free onion cutting, he emerges with a darned fine bowl of soup.

Part one of an ongoing series looks at the king of pantry essentials: Dried pasta. Alton Brown explores pasta styles, the best cooking method (water is key), the tools you really need (big), and a different way of saucing.