No, you do not have to soak pasta before cooking it. In fact, soaking pasta can potentially lead to overhydration, causing it to become gummy and lose its desired texture. Cooking pasta without soaking it is the standard method, and it's generally recommended to cook pasta directly in boiling water.
To cook pasta properly, follow these steps:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Use approximately 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. The rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta. This enhances the pasta's flavor.
Drop the pasta into the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent it from sticking together. Cooking time will vary depending on the type and thickness of the pasta. Follow the instructions on the pasta package for the suggested cooking time.
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
Taste a piece of the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up to check for the desired level of doneness. Pasta should be "al dente," which means it's cooked but still slightly firm to the bite.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander, reserving a small amount of the cooking water if you plan to make a sauce that requires it.
Serve the cooked pasta immediately with your preferred sauce or toppings.
Remember that different types of pasta may have slightly different cooking times, so always refer to the package instructions or taste test to ensure it's cooked to your liking. Soaking is not necessary and might result in an undesirable outcome.