Never cook pasta like this: why it sticks together all the time

Cooking pasta seems like the easiest thing to do, but many people make mistakes that spoil the dish. The pasta sticks together, becomes sticky, and its taste leaves much to be desired. To avoid this, it's important to know what you shouldn't do while cooking.

The FoodoOboz editorial team shares the main mistakes to avoid when cooking pasta. With the help of simple tips, you can make a truly delicious side dish.

1. Too little water

You are using too little water, which causes starch to build up. As a result, the pasta sticks together. Never cook pasta with too little water. Use at least 1 liter of water for every 100 grams of pasta. This will allow enough room for movement and prevent sticking.

2. Adding pasta to cold water

Putting pasta in cold or non-boiling water makes it sticky and overcooked. Never add pasta to water that is not boiling. Start cooking them only after the water is actively boiling. This will help preserve the texture and flavor.

3. Ignoring stirring

You leave the pasta to cook by itself without stirring it. This causes the pasta to stick together and stick to the walls of the pan. Never forget to stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the water and several times during cooking. This will help to distribute the starch evenly and avoid sticking.

4. No salt in the water

You add salt to the water after adding the pasta or you ignore this step altogether. Without salt, the pasta can lose its flavor and texture. Never skip adding salt to the water before adding the pasta. Add 10 grams of salt for every liter of water once it boils.

5. Cooking without oil

You don't add a little vegetable oil to the water, which causes the pasta to stick together. Never neglect the oil! Add half a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the boiling water. This will create a protective layer and reduce the risk of sticking.

6. Improper rinsing after cooking

You don't rinse the pasta after cooking, leaving starch on it. This makes them sticky and gummy. Do not leave the pasta without rinsing. Drain and rinse with cold water to remove any remaining starch and make it crumbly. But if the pasta is served with a sauce, you can skip this step.

7. Using insufficient oil after cooking

If you leave the pasta without oil after cooking, it will stick together quickly. After draining the water, add a piece of butter (20-30 grams) and mix thoroughly. This will not only make the pasta crumbly but also make the dish taste better.

8. Cooking spaghetti incorrectly

You put the spaghetti in the water randomly, causing it to break or stick together. Never put spaghetti in a pile. Put them in the water in a "fan" pattern, and they will gradually submerge themselves. Stir them regularly during cooking and do not cover the pan with a lid.