Proper preparation of pasta is key to preserving its taste and texture, and experts point out that the most common mistakes are made at the very beginning of cooking.
One of the basic rules is to use enough water to cook the pasta evenly and prevent it from sticking.
Also, the water should be well salted before adding the pasta, because the salt is not absorbed equally if it is added later.
It is important to follow the recommended cooking time on the package and remove the pasta from the heat while it is still “al dente”, i.e. slightly firm under the tooth.
Stirring frequently during the first few minutes of cooking further helps to prevent sticking.
Experts also advise not to rinse the pasta after cooking, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce bond better with it, thus avoiding a gooey and tasteless texture.
