Infusing oil for pasta

The Italians really don't eat as much garlic as people think. Instead they use garlic to infuse the olive oil. Most of the recipes that I know use garlic like this. Keep the garlic whole, cook in the oil until slightly browned, just a couple of minutes, then either leave it until you've made the sauce, or remove at this stage. Either way, remove before serving

How to stop pasta sticking together

Pasta obviously features a lot in Italian cooking. The secret to stop it sticking together is to keep stirring it in the first 2-3 mins of cooking time. Then just frequently afterwards until it is cooked al dente. No oil required. Mix immediately with the sauce and serve.