It’s a classic kitchen debate: rinse or don’t rinse? Some say rinsing pasta removes the sticky starch that causes clumping. That’s true — but for most hot dishes, rinsing is a mistake.

Why You Shouldn’t Rinse (Usually):

That surface starch helps sauces cling to noodles, creating a richer, more cohesive dish. Chefs like Lidia Bastianich and America’s Test Kitchen agree: skip the rinse for hot meals. Transfer pasta straight from water to sauce to lock in flavor and texture.

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.