Definitely boil the water first. Use plenty of water, pinch of salt. No lid. Stir extra at the beginning not to have any pieces stuck to the bottom / sides of the pan, then stir like every minute or so. Check package for cooking time. If it says 9 to 11 minutes. Start trying and taking bites from 7 minutes on. When it is just only slightly too al dente for your taste, turn off the fire and pour the remaining water out. By the time this has happened it should be almost perfect. Oh, and don't add oil to "prevent sticking", stupidest gimmick ever.
Always throw the pasta in the pan with the ragù (sauce). Stir for a bit on low fire. Now the pasta will reach perfect "dente-ness". Never throw the ragù on top of the pasta. Buon appetito!