What can you do to cooked spaghetti have it not clump together?

During Cooking:

* Use plenty of water: A large pot with at least 6 quarts of water is ideal. This allows the pasta to move freely and prevents overcrowding.

* Salt the water: Adding salt to the boiling water helps season the pasta and keeps it from sticking.

* Don't overcook: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and more likely to clump. Check the package instructions for recommended cooking time, and start tasting a few minutes before the end.

* Stir frequently: Stir the pasta periodically while it's cooking to prevent sticking.

* Add oil to the water (optional): Some cooks swear by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. While this may help slightly, it's not necessary and can make the sauce slide off the pasta more easily.

After Cooking:

* Drain thoroughly: Drain the pasta immediately after it's cooked, and don't let it sit in the colander for too long.

* Toss with sauce immediately: As soon as the pasta is drained, toss it with your sauce to prevent it from sticking together.

* Use a large serving bowl: Serve the pasta in a large bowl so it has room to spread out and not become crowded.

Additional Tips:

* Use a pasta fork: A pasta fork with two prongs is designed to lift and separate spaghetti strands.

* Add some sauce to the pasta water: For a silky smooth sauce, add a few spoonfuls of your sauce to the pasta water during the last minute of cooking. This allows the starch to absorb the sauce and create a creamy texture.

Remember:

* Even with these tips, it's normal for spaghetti to clump slightly.

* If you're serving the pasta later, you can toss it with a little bit of olive oil or your sauce to help prevent clumping.