Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat. Set a couple pieces of the dried pasta aside to help you recall the color of it dried.

Add the salt to the pot, followed by the remaining dried pasta. Stir to combine and to make sure none of the pasta is sticking to the bottom of the pot (or to itself).

Continue to boil on high heat, stirring occasionally, until the water returns to a rolling boil (about 2 minutes), and then begins to bubble vigorously and to foam (another 5 to 7 minutes, depending upon the size & shape of the pasta).

Turn down the flame a bit if necessary to keep the pot from boiling over.

Once the pasta water has foamed considerably, begin stirring the pasta more frequently and checking the color of the pasta.

Once it has lightened in color (usually another 2 minutes), test a piece to ensure it has no dry center but is still a bit firm.

Remove the pot from the heat and drain off all the pasta water.

Rinse the pasta thoroughly with warm tap water (or cold tap water if you are serving the pasta cold), then toss with oil or butter to ensure that the pasta doesn’t stick to itself.

If not serving immediately, place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap until ready to serve.

Store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Can be reheated in the microwave.