To prepare pasta, start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt to enhance the flavor. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes, until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a small amount of the cooking water if needed for sauce. Rinse briefly with cold water if you plan to use it in a cold dish. Toss the pasta with your favorite sauce or ingredients to serve.