I cook it, pour the pasta into a large sieve or colander in the sink. Just before serving, I run the tap water hot and when it gets really hot, then I run a little hot water over the pasta. It unsticks the pasta like it just came out of the pot. Shake the excess off in the sink and you're ready to serve. Works fine.

Anonymous wrote:Olive oil in the cooking water.

OP here. I always do this, and doesn't seem to help with my problem.
I'll try the olive oil after boiling, if I can't wait for the sauce.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Anonymous wrote:Olive oil in the cooking water.

Don't put it in the water. That makes it really greasy. Add a tiny bit after it's cooked.

Olive oil in the cooking water.

You can toss it with a little olive oil. Works like a charm!

Best to time so that the pasta is not ready too early. Better to have the sauce simmer for a few minutes while thepasta finishes than the other way around. If you must hold the pasta while the sauce finishes, try tossing the drained pasta with a little olive oil in the colander (do not return to the pot--the residual heat will over cook the pasta).

Add a tiny bit of olive oil.

sauce it or keep some of the pasta cooking water and add a little to unstick

I generally drain cooked pasta from its water, but if any keeps in the pan for more than a few minutes, it sticks together.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking - or must I just put it in the sauce immediately and keep it ready to serve?
I also like to keep it warm, if possible, before serving.