Isn’t rinsing pasta a must?
The Great Pasta Rinse Debate
Why Rinse Pasta?
Rinsing pasta removes surface starch, which some say prevents clumping, and cools it quickly—perfect for cold dishes. As one source says, “Cold water cools the pasta quickly and gives you a clean canvas.”
Why Not Rinse for Hot Dishes?
For hot meals, rinsing removes starch that “acts like glue, binding your sauce” to the noodles. This starch helps pasta absorb flavor and improves texture.
Expert Tips
Lidia Bastianich advises, “Don’t rinse pasta for hot meals. The starch is essential.” America’s Test Kitchen agrees that rinsing ruins flavor and consistency.
Bottom Line
Rinse pasta only when needed—like for cold salads. For hot dishes, “let the starch stay” to enjoy better taste and texture.
