How to Cook Pasta Perfectly (Because You're Probably Doing It Wrong)

Cooking times can vary according to pasta shape, amount, and type (whole-wheat, gluten-free, etc.).

Unlike dried pasta, fresh pasta takes only two or three minutes to cook, max.

Stuffed pasta, like ravioli, will rise to the surface and float when ready.

Don't add any oil to the pasta water. Some cooks are under the false assumption that a glug of olive oil will keep the strands from clumping. But that's nothing a good stir won't solve, plus oil could leave your pasta too slick for saucing.

Don't do a cold-water rinse on your pasta when it’s done cooking. That washes away all the happy starches that bind it to the sauce. (And the delicious salty flavor!)