How to Cook Pasta Without Boiling Over

Pasta needs boiling water to cook; oil prevents it from boiling over.

Adding oil to the cooking water is the secret to keeping the water from boiling over the stockpot when you are cooking pasta. The oil prevents the water from forming big bubbles on the surface, which otherwise might cause it to boil over. Pasta should be started in a boiling pot of water and cooked as quickly as possible to preserve the flavor of the pasta itself.

Things You'll Need

• Stockpot
• Salt
• 1 to 2 teaspoons olive or canola oil

Instructions

1. Place stockpot filled about three-fourths full with water onto the stove and set burner on high.

2. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon salt to the water.

3. Add the oil to the water.

4. Add your pasta once the water reaches a full boil and stir it into the water. This will help coat the pasta with oil so it doesn't stick to the pan.

5. Keep stirring the pasta every few minutes while boiling -- this helps separate any stuck noodles and evens out the cooking.

6. Test pasta after expected cooking time. If it’s done, turn off burner.

7. Strain the pasta but do not rinse.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep stirring the pasta every few minutes while boiling, this helps separate any stuck noodles and evens out the cooking.

• If you rinse your pasta in water after boiling, you are losing flavor, and adding tons of water to your sauce--so if you don't want your sauce ruined by water--do not rinse!

References

• General Chemistry Online: Why Does Adding Oil to Cooking Water Keep it From Boiling Over?