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Cooking pasta al dente (which means “to the tooth” in Italian) means cooking it so it's still slightly firm when bitten—not too soft or mushy. Here's how to do it:
π How to Cook Pasta Al Dente
1. Boil Water Generously
Use a large pot and plenty of water (at least 4–6 quarts per pound of pasta). Add salt generously—about 1 tablespoon per 4 quarts. This helps season the pasta.
2. Bring Water to a Rolling Boil
Wait until the water is at a full, bubbling boil before adding the pasta. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
3. Add the Pasta and Stir
Add your pasta and stir immediately to prevent clumping. Stir occasionally throughout cooking.
4. Check the Package Time
Look at the package instructions for the recommended cooking time. To get al dente pasta, start checking about 1–2 minutes before the lower end of that range.
5. Taste Test
Take a piece of pasta out and bite into it. Al dente pasta should be fully cooked but still firm to the bite with a very slight resistance in the center.
6. Drain Immediately
Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta right away to stop it from cooking further. Don’t rinse unless the recipe calls for it (like in a cold pasta salad).
7. Toss with Sauce or Olive Oil
Add your sauce or a bit of olive oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking and infuse flavor.
π₯ Pro Tips:
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Use a timer, but trust your taste!
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For baked pasta, undercook it slightly since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
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Fresh pasta cooks faster—usually in just 2–4 minutes.