My Brother Adds Oil to Pasta Water! Why Would He do That?

My brother has always been more of a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy, if you know what I mean. Cooking anything beyond basic meals was pretty much off the table for him. That is, until he recently decided to enroll in a beginner’s cooking class at the local community college.

The other day, I walked into the kitchen to find him boiling up a big pot of water, getting ready to make some pasta for dinner. So far, so good, right? But then, I watched in horror as he proceeded to pour a generous glug of olive oil straight into that pot of boiling water.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m no culinary master myself. But even I know that’s just not something you do when cooking pasta. So of course, I had to call him out on it.

“Dude, what are you doing? You’re not supposed to add oil to the pasta water!”

To which he very matter-of-factly replied, “Says who? My instructor told us to always add a drizzle of oil to the water to keep the pasta from sticking together.”

I just stood there, dumbfounded. Could this actually be a thing? A real technique used by seasoned chefs and home cooks alike? Or was my brother’s instructor just messing with the whole class for some cruel practical joke?

Naturally, this got me incredibly curious (and maybe a tiny bit obsessed). I had to get to the bottom of this great “oil or no oil” pasta conundrum once and for all! So I did some research, tried out a few experiments of my own, and you know what? I actually found some pretty compelling reasons why adding that little glug of oil might not be such a bad idea after all…

The Case Against Adding Oil to Pasta Water

Oil and water don’t mix. When you add oil to boiling water, it simply floats on top and creates an unappetizing oily film on the surface. The oil does not actually coat the pasta noodles themselves. In fact, some oils can even break down and impart off-flavors when cooked at such high heat.

The best way to prevent sticky, clumped noodles is to stir the pasta frequently after adding it to the boiling water. The motion combined with the starch released from the noodles is what prevents them from sticking together. No added oil is needed for this simple step!

Some argue that adding oil helps sauces better adhere to cooked pasta. However, most experts want that starchy pasta cooking water present to help bind and emulsify the sauce. Adding oil can actually make it harder for starchy, clingy sauces to properly coat the noodles.

The Case FOR Adding a Drizzle of Oil

For simple preparations like buttered noodles or pasta with just olive oil and garlic, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add richness and flavor. But go easy on the oil – too much can overwhelm the delicate flavors. In these cases, consider tossing the cooked, drained pasta directly with the oil instead of adding it to the cooking water.

The Verdict: Your Preference Prevails

In general, adding oil to pasta cooking water is unnecessary and can negatively impact the flavor and texture of the final dish. For authentic Italian methods, frequent stirring is best to prevent sticking noodles. But at the end of the day, make your own call based on your desired pasta preparation and personal taste preferences! A little oil for simple noodle dishes won’t ruin anything. Just don’t overdo it.

At the end of the day, you’ve got to do what works best for your taste buds and your desired pasta dish. If adding a little drizzle of olive oil to your cooking water or finished noodles helps achieve that perfect texture and flavor you’re going for, then by all means, go for it! Just don’t go too crazy with it, or you might end up with a greasy, funky mess.

But if you prefer to stick to the more traditional Italian methods and let the natural starches do their thing, more power to you. A good stir here and there is all you really need to keep those noodles from becoming one big, tangled blob.

Whichever camp you fall into, just remember – the most important thing is to have fun with it and experiment until you find your perfect pasta groove. Cooking is all about putting your own spin on things and discovering what you like best.

Who knows, maybe my brother will end up being a trendsetter with his oily pasta water ways. Or maybe he’ll eventually realize that a simple stir is all it takes (hey, I can dream, right?).

Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced writer and editor who enjoys researching topics related to lifestyle and creating content on gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. She spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries. Check out some of her works on Mastermind Quotes.