When Rinsing Does Make Sense:

• Cold pasta salads (to stop cooking and cool noodles)
• Asian stir-fries (to prevent gumminess)
• If you oversalted your pasta water

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using too little water
• Not salting the water
• Overcooking
• Rinsing hot pasta meant for hot dishes

Cultural Note:
In Italy, rinsing pasta is frowned upon. In some Asian cuisines, it’s standard. The key is matching the method to the recipe.

Final Verdict:
Don’t rinse pasta unless the dish calls for it. Let starch do its job—and your sauce will thank you.