Stop the Clump! 8 Pasta Secrets Chefs Swear By

There’s nothing worse than cooking pasta only to have it clump into one big sticky mess. Luckily, a few simple tricks can keep your noodles light, fluffy, and perfectly separated. Here are 6 easy hacks to make sure your pasta never sticks together again.

Use Plenty of Water

Give your pasta room to move! A large pot with lots of water helps prevent noodles from clumping.

Stir Early (and Often)

The first few minutes of cooking are key—stirring right away keeps the pasta from sticking.

Salt Like The Sea

Adding salt isn’t just about flavor—it also helps prevent stickiness. Once your water reaches a rolling boil, toss in a generous handful of salt before adding the pasta.

Skip the Oil in the Pot

Contrary to popular belief, adding oil to the cooking water doesn’t prevent sticking—it just coats your pasta and prevents sauce from clinging later. Keep it simple: water, salt, and a good stir.

Save Some Pasta Water

A splash of starchy cooking water in your sauce keeps pasta moist and helps it coat evenly.

Don’t Overcook

Overdone pasta gets gummy fast. Follow the box’s shortest recommended cook time, then taste-test for perfect al dente texture.

Toss Pasta With Sauce Immediately

Timing is everything! After draining, combine the pasta and sauce right away. The residual heat helps the sauce coat every strand evenly and keeps things from sticking.

Serve Immediately

Pasta waits for no one! Serving it right away ensures it stays smooth and doesn’t clump together.

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