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4️⃣ Adding Oil to the Water
🚫 Mistake: Pouring oil into the water to prevent sticking.
✅ Fix: Oil makes pasta slippery, preventing sauce from sticking. Instead, stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from clumping.
5️⃣ Overcooking or Undercooking Pasta
🚫 Mistake: Not following the al dente rule.
✅ Fix: Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture—firm but tender. If mixing with sauce, finish cooking in the sauce for better absorption.
6️⃣ Draining All the Pasta Water
🚫 Mistake: Pouring all the starchy pasta water down the sink.
✅ Fix: Save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it richer and silkier.
7️⃣ Rinsing Cooked Pasta
🚫 Mistake: Rinsing pasta under cold water (unless for a cold pasta salad).
✅ Fix: Never rinse hot pasta—it removes the natural starches that help sauce stick. Just drain and mix directly with your sauce.
8️⃣ Not Tossing Pasta with the Sauce
🚫 Mistake: Pouring sauce on top of plain pasta instead of mixing.
✅ Fix: Always toss pasta in the sauce while still hot. This helps flavors blend and ensures every bite is delicious.
Bonus Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time!
🍝 Use fresh pasta when possible – It cooks faster and tastes amazing.
🍝 Experiment with pasta shapes – Different shapes hold sauces differently.
🍝 Try homemade sauces – A simple garlic butter or tomato basil sauce makes all the difference.
🍝 Add cheese at the end – Parmesan melts best when sprinkled after serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been making these mistakes, don’t worry—you’re not alone! By following these simple fixes, you’ll never have bland, mushy, or sticky pasta again. Whether you’re making classic spaghetti, creamy fettuccine, or a hearty penne dish, these tips will elevate your pasta game to perfection.
🍝 Try these hacks today and taste the difference in your next pasta dish! 😍
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