This Pasta Expert Says There Is Literally No Point Adding Oil To Pasta Water

Anna Lewis
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Delish

To oil your pasta water or not to oil your pasta water, that is the question. Well, not anymore, apparently.

A pasta expert has revealed that despite everyone doing it for years, there is literally no point adding oil to water when you’re boiling pasta.

The thinking has always been that adding a little oil will stop the pasta from sticking together as it cooks. But it does nothing, according to Guido Pedrelli, who founded Nonna Box: an Italian food subscription service.

Guido told The Metro: “There is a common myth that oiling the water your pasta is cooking in will prevent it from sticking, but this is untrue.

“In fact, oil and water do not mix, so it is unlikely that any oil will transfer onto the pasta during the cooking process.

Photo credit: Parker Feierbach

“If any oil were to attach to the pasta, it would be after the cooking process when the pasta is being drained, which would prevent the sauce from sticking to the pasta.

“Ultimately, adding oil to the boiling water does more harm than good, and it is best to simply stir the pasta every so often during cooking.”

But, he did say that adding salt to the water is key to making sure your pasta is perfectly seasoned.

He says: “While pepper is not commonly used in traditional Italian cooking, sea salt is incorporated at the start of the cooking process to ensure it dissolves and seasons the food throughout.”

So there you have it – save your oil for your salad dressings.
