Eight ounces of uncooked spaghetti yields four cups of cooked spaghetti. One cup of elbow macaroni yields almost three cups cooked. But with small egg noodles the uncooked amount will yield about the same amount when cooked. Always check the package directions. You want to maintain the boil, and stir the pasta with a long wooden spoon until the full boil returns.
Some cooks add a teaspoon of cooking oil to the water to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Follow the cooking times on the package to reach al dente. The cooking time varies depending on the pasta size and type, so the package is your best guide. Drain immediately in a strainer or colander. If you are preparing a cold pasta salad, rinse with cold water and drain again. 1998 Taste of America, a Division of Pisces Video Company.