Welcome to tips and techniques at start cooking.com. I'm Kathy Maister. There are six rules you need to follow to make perfect pasta.

Number one, use a really big pot. Otherwise, all the pasta will stick together when you cook it.

Number two, boil lots of water, at least four quarts for one pound of pasta. Be sure to cover the pot so the water comes to a boil

more quickly. Number three, add two tablespoons of salt to the pot after the water comes to a boil.

Number four, put in your pasta and bring the pot back to a boil. Number five, be sure to give it an

occasional stir. And number six, cook the pasta

uncovered for no longer than it says on the package. Give it a taste to see if it's tender.

Now, carefully lift the pot with some pot holders and drain the pasta in the sink. Don't forget the

colander. That's it. Just add your favorite sauce and enjoy.