Yes, pasta can be cooked without oil. In fact, it is a common practice to cook pasta without adding oil to the cooking water. Here's how you can cook pasta without oil:
Boil Sufficient Water: Fill a large pot with plenty of water. The general rule is to use about 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
Add Salt: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add salt to the boiling water. Adding salt enhances the pasta's flavor. A good guideline is to use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta.
Cook Pasta: Drop the pasta into the boiling water and stir gently to prevent it from sticking together. Follow the cooking time indicated on the pasta package for the desired level of doneness.
Stir Occasionally: While the pasta is cooking, stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Test for Doneness: Check the pasta for doneness by tasting it. It should be al dente, meaning it should have a slight firmness to the bite but not be overly soft.
Drain: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, carefully pour it into a colander or use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot, allowing the water to drain away.
Serve: At this point, the pasta is ready to be served with your preferred sauce or toppings.
By following these steps, you can cook pasta without the need for oil. The salted boiling water helps to flavor the pasta, and as long as you stir occasionally, the pasta should cook evenly and not stick together.