Pasta takes patience. While it seems harmless to add the noodles to the pot before the water reaches a boil, it can lead to mushy noodles. Always resist the urge to add the pasta to the pot too soon.

Why does it matter so much? The starches on the surface of the noodles will begin to fill with water right away. You can’t see it happening, but they’re being rehydrated and will eventually burst into the water.

When the water is boiling, the noodles’ surfaces will cook quicker and allow them to set. When the outside sets, the center of the noodle will absorb the water and rehydrate rather than burst and release like the surface starches. This helps the noodle maintain more structure and not get too soft and mushy.