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.