"Pasta Perplexity: The Olive Oil Myth Busted. For years, home cooks have been adding olive oil to their pasta cooking water in a bid to prevent noodles from sticking together. But does it really work? Our investigation puts this popular hack to the test, revealing the surprising truth behind this kitchen trick and uncovering a more effective method for achieving perfectly separated strands. From the science behind starches to the secrets of the perfect pasta dish, find out what works and what doesn't in our latest kitchen experiment."


We tested whether adding olive oil to pasta cooking water actually prevents noodles from sticking. Here’s what we found — plus a better method for keeping strands separate.