To prevent spaghetti from sticking together and becoming a clump when cooked, you can follow these simple tips:
Use a large pot: Ensure you're using a big pot with plenty of water to cook the spaghetti. Using a small pot with limited water can cause the pasta to stick together as it doesn't have enough room to move around freely.
Add enough salt to the water: Before adding the spaghetti to the boiling water, make sure to add a generous amount of salt. This enhances the pasta's flavor and helps to prevent sticking.
Stir immediately after adding pasta: Once you add the spaghetti to the boiling water, give it a gentle stir right away. This will help prevent the strands from sticking together at the beginning of the cooking process.
Stir occasionally while cooking: Stir the spaghetti occasionally during the cooking process. This helps to separate the strands and prevent them from clumping together.
Don't overcook the pasta: Follow the recommended cooking time on the pasta package, and even better, start checking the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time. Overcooked pasta tends to become mushy and more likely to stick together.
Add a little oil: Some people add a small amount of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) to the boiling water. While this can help prevent sticking, it also coats the pasta and can make it more challenging for sauce to adhere to the strands. It's best to rely on proper stirring and using enough water.
Rinse with hot water (optional): If you find that your spaghetti tends to stick together after draining, you can try rinsing it with hot water in a colander. However, this step is optional and can wash away some of the starch that helps sauce cling to the pasta.
Use the right amount of water: As a general rule, use at least 4-6 quarts of water for every pound of spaghetti. The more water you use, the better the pasta will cook and separate.
By following these tips, you can help prevent spaghetti from sticking together and ensure that you get perfectly cooked, separate strands that are ready to be topped with your favorite sauce.