Sticky pasta usually means not enough water, not enough stirring, or not enough salt.
Common causes
- Too little water
- Not stirring early
- No salt
- Leaving pasta to sit
1. Too little water
Pasta needs space to move.
Quick fixes:
- Use a large pot
- Add more water if needed
2. Not stirring early
Pasta sticks in the first 30 seconds.
Quick fixes:
- Stir immediately after adding
- Stir again after 1 minute
3. Leaving pasta to sit
It clumps fast.
Quick fixes:
- Drain and toss with a little oil
- Serve immediately
What to try first
Stir early — it prevents most sticking.
When to start again
If pasta becomes one big clump.