It sure does! This starchy liquid helps bring the creamy chicken Tuscan pasta sauce together and get it to the right consistency. Plus, it adds soooooo much flavor to the dish. If you're like me, sometimes you get in a flow and maybe forget this step... Luckily, you can make an easy substitute for pasta water! Mix ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch into 1 cup of water, then microwave for a few minutes until hot.