Here are some helpful hacks to make it easier to boil pasta without burning or sticking together:
Use Sufficient Water: Ensure that you use an ample amount of water when boiling pasta. Using a large pot with plenty of water allows the pasta enough space to move around and prevents it from clumping together.
Choose the Right Pot Size: Opt for a pot that is large enough to accommodate the amount of pasta you are cooking comfortably. This will help prevent overcrowding, which can lead to sticking.
Stir Regularly: Stir the pasta frequently, especially during the first few minutes of cooking. This prevents the pasta from sticking together and also prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add Salt: Remember to add salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. Salt enhances the pasta's flavor and also helps prevent sticking. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta or adjust to your taste.
Avoid Adding Oil: Contrary to popular belief, adding oil to the cooking water does not prevent pasta from sticking. Oil tends to coat the pasta, making it harder for sauce to adhere to the cooked pasta later on. It's best to skip adding oil to the cooking water.
Cook at a Rolling Boil: Make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cooking at a vigorous boil helps keep the pasta moving and prevents sticking.
Al Dente Cooking: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it has a slight firmness to the bite. Overcooking the pasta can cause it to become mushy and more likely to stick together.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a small cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be added to your sauce later on to help thicken and bind it to the pasta.
By following these hacks, you can make boiling pasta easier and minimize the chances of it burning or sticking together.