So why does this keep happening

If you want to use olive oil in your pasta dish, do so after the noodles are cooked. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil after draining your pasta can add flavor, silkiness, and richness, enhancing the dish. A little olive oil mixed with freshly cooked pasta can also prevent sticking, but it's important to do this after the noodles are cooked, not before they've even been in the pan. This will ensure your pasta retains its texture and you get all the benefits of olive oil's aromatic flavors without the hassle of a greasy, slippery mess.

So why does this keep happening?

Despite olive oil's obvious flaws, it's one of those cooking myths that just won't go away. That's probably because it's so easy to throw a little oil in the pan, and many people want to make sure their pasta never sticks together—after all, no one likes scraping lumpy noodles from the bottom of the pan. But with the right techniques, like using plenty of water, stirring occasionally, and using the right salt-to-water ratio, you won't need extra oil. Trust us: a little attention to detail, and your pasta will turn out perfectly.