Prepare sauce before draining
Have the sauce warm in a pan large enough for the cooked pasta. Cook pasta in salted water, following the package as a timing guide but tasting near the end. Reserve a mug of cooking water before draining so you can adjust the finish.
Transfer while there is still bite
Move pasta to its sauce just before it reaches the texture you want. Add a small splash of cooking water and stir or toss over heat. The pasta finishes cooking as the sauce loosens and coats it. Keep enough liquid in the pan that the pasta can move easily.
Control water and fat together
Starch in the cooking water can help the liquid and fat form a more cohesive coating. Add water little by little; a whole mug can make the dish soupy. If a sauce turns greasy, try a splash of water and vigorous stirring rather than automatically adding more oil.
Make the final adjustment off heat
Reduce heat or remove the pan before adding delicate cheese, according to the recipe. Loosen a tight sauce because pasta continues absorbing liquid on the plate. Taste before adding more salt: salted cooking water, cheese and reduced sauce can add up quickly. Serve promptly.
Your next kitchen exercise
Finish two small portions of pasta: spoon sauce over one and toss the other in its sauce with a splash of cooking water. Compare coating and texture.