To prevent homemade pasta from sticking together, you can follow these tips:
Flour the dough: After kneading and shaping the pasta dough, dust it lightly with flour. This will create a barrier and reduce the chances of the pasta sticking together.
Use semolina flour: Consider using semolina flour instead of all-purpose flour for rolling out the pasta. Semolina has a coarser texture, which helps to prevent sticking.
Work in small batches: Divide the dough into smaller portions and work with one batch at a time. Keep the remaining dough covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying.
Flour the work surface: Before rolling out the dough, dust your work surface generously with flour or semolina. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking during the rolling process.
Roll it thin: Roll out the pasta dough as thin as possible without tearing it. Thicker pasta sheets are more likely to stick together. If the dough is too thick, it can also lead to uneven cooking.
Separate immediately: As you cut or shape the pasta, separate the individual pieces right away. If you leave them in a pile, they are more likely to stick together. Keep the cut pasta strands or shapes well-floured or use a drying rack to hang them until ready to cook.
Cook in a large pot of boiling water: When it's time to cook the pasta, use a large pot of well-salted boiling water. The salt helps prevent sticking as well. Ensure there is enough space for the pasta to move around freely while cooking.
Stir gently: Once the pasta is in the boiling water, stir gently for the first 30 seconds to prevent any initial sticking. After that, the pasta should move freely in the boiling water.
Cook al dente: Be mindful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and more prone to sticking. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, still slightly firm to the bite.
Toss with sauce or oil: After draining the cooked pasta, immediately toss it with your preferred sauce or a drizzle of olive oil. This will further prevent sticking and coat the pasta strands evenly.
By following these steps, you can minimize the chances of homemade pasta sticking together and enjoy perfectly cooked pasta dishes.