When cooking pasta, should the lid be left on or off?

When cooking pasta, it is advisable to leave the lid off to allow for proper starch release and to prevent the pasta from becoming too starchy and sticky. Leaving the lid off also enables any foam that may form during boiling to escape, which can help prevent overflow and result in a better texture of the finished pasta. It allows for better temperature control and visibility, making it easier to monitor the cooking process and achieve the desired level of doneness.

While some may think that covering the pot will speed up the boiling process, it can cause more foaming and might lead to a mess on the stove. Keeping the lid off enhances the overall cooking experience and leads to better results with the pasta.