The question “Should you rinse pasta?” sparks surprising debate. Pasta releases starch as it cooks, which can make noodles sticky and heavy—one reason some people prefer rinsing. Washing off the starch creates a cleaner texture and keeps strands separate, especially for pasta salads or cold dishes. But in traditional Italian cooking, rinsing is avoided because that natural starch helps sauce cling and creates a silky finish. For hot dishes like marinara or alfredo, unrinsed pasta works best. For cold or stir-fried dishes, rinsing prevents clumping. Ultimately, the choice depends on the recipe and the texture you want. Bon appétit! 🍝