The reason your pasta clumps is probably that you don't stir the pasta when you put it in the boiling water. You must stir to make sure that the the individual strands or shapes get water all around or they will stick together and thereby clump. Give it a vigorous stir for a couple of minutes and you shouldn't have the problem. Also make sure that you cook the pasta just until it is a little firm to the tooth (al dente). You can judge this by taking a little out of the water and bite down to check for doneness, also you will learn that you can tell by looking at the change in opaqueness of the product. People will say to add some oil to the water but that is not correct, the oil will only inhibit the adherence of any sauce you intend to use.
2007-01-05 10:06:08
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answer #1
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answered by Robert 3
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When I cook pasta, I just follow the directions on the package, give or take a few minutes depending on how high you have the boiling water. After the pasta is down cooking, drain in a collander, put back in pan, then put at least two tsp of butter, mix together with pasta. That should help with the sticking.
2007-01-05 10:26:31
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answer #2
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answered by Janet H 3
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Are you using enough water? You should cook your pasta in a BIG stock pot (you should buy one if you don't have one..it's a must in every household :o)
I use about 2-3 litres of water to cook a half package of pasta. And make sure you salt the water with 2 tablespoons of salt. The water in which you cook you pasta should taste like the ocean. Completely off topic btw, I really like "De Cecco" pastas. They're the best! Just follow the package instructions completely. Good Luck.
2007-01-05 10:21:01
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answer #3
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answered by Snowflakes 1
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the answer is--you need to boil it in more water.Get the water water boiling first,at least four times the amount of pasta,add the pasta.When it boils again,turn the heat down to slow boil,stir about once a minute.8-10 min.Bowties take a little longer,say-15 to 20 min. Depending on your amount.
2007-01-05 16:13:42
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Bring the water to a boil. Put in the spaghetti. Bring it back to a boil. Turn it off. Let it sit as long as you want in the hot water.
Perfect spaghetti everytime. No need to worry.
2007-01-05 10:13:44
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answer #5
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answered by Mz Liz 2
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add the pasta when the water is rapidly boiling,but dont forget to salt the water and just toss it several times and take one out to taste it until you get the right consistency,i like mine al dente,about 8-10 min
2007-01-05 10:28:41
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answer #6
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answered by laura m 3
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a little olive oil added to the water makes a difference. Also, make sure you have plenty of boiling water, so the pasta is not over crowded
2007-01-05 10:06:50
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answer #7
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answered by rosie recipe 7
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don't use oil--your sauce will not stick to the pasta. stir as soon as the pasta hits the water and use a big enough pot with plenty of water.
2007-01-05 11:31:20
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answer #8
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answered by I'm so crafty, I make people 5
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NO OIL.
Oil and water do not mix. Thus the oil in the water does nothing to inhibit sticking.
The key is using a large pot with ample water and as Robert stated: stirring.
Chef Mark
2007-01-05 10:11:47
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answer #9
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answered by Chef Mark 5
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When you put your noodles in the boiling water put some vegetable oil (about a teaspoon full) in the water. It will make all the noodles separate and not stick together.
2007-01-05 10:05:05
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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