1. Not Using Enough Water

This is a classic mistake, yet so amenable to correction! Think about it this way: You want your pasta to have some room with which to swim in, move freely in the water. It's all about space. The water is the key, and unless you use enough of it, out will come a sticky mess.

My tips: Always use plenty of water-at least six quarts per pound of pasta-and don't overcrowd the pot. You want enough water to be certain that the cooking pasta doesn't stick together.

2. Adding Oil to the Water

I won't lie, adding oil to the water was one of those habits that were pretty difficult for me to break; for years, I always did it. I guess you are probably thinking, 'Oil keeps pasta from sticking,' right? Wrong! It turns out that all it does is put a barrier between the pasta and the sauce, so the sauce will not stick as easily. And who wants slimy pasta? Not me!

My tip: Forget the oil! It's totally unnecessary, and it can really hurt the flavor. Instead, use a good quality pasta that doesn't stick much. Stir your pasta a lot. That's the secret to a delicious non-sticking pasta.

3. Not Salting the Water Enough

Salt is your pasta's best friend; it's like seasoning. So, you can't skip it. Salt flavors the pasta inside and out and makes the thing way better. But don't be afraid to use enough salt!

My tip: When the water is boiling, salt it amply. This is how I have always told my class: think of it like the ocean; it should taste of salt, not pasta. It won't make the pasta salty, don't worry.

4. Overcooking the Pasta

The biggest problem with overcooked pasta is it becomes mushy. You want your pasta to be al dente—meaning firm to the bite, a little bit chewy. It's the perfect texture for so many dishes, it's the way pasta should be.

My hint: When you aren't sure, always test the pasta with a fork. It should still resist a bit. If it's too soft, it's overcooked. If you overcook, the pasta will turn into mush and you will have a soggy mess.

5. Not Saving the Pasta Water

Believe it or not, pasta water is liquid gold! Filled with starch that you can use to make your sauce even silkier and richer. You might be shocked at how much it elevates your dish.

My tip: Reserve some pasta water before draining. Then use it to thin out your sauce and help it cling to the pasta better. You wouldn't believe the difference, honestly!

Wrap Up: Pasta Perfect

There you have it-the 5 biggest pasta boiling mistakes. I have learnt a lot from my own pasta blunders. So the next time you cook pasta, just remember these tips. You will be surprised how easy it is to prepare the most delicious al dente pasta. Bon appétit!