Al Dente is an Italian term meaning "to match the teeth". Al dente pasta is pasta that is cooked just right -- not too hard, but not too soft either. Because of this, the texture is perfect for the teeth, and the taste is delicious!
Step
Step 1. Know the basic way to cook pasta
In this guide, you will cook pasta normally. However, the cooking time will vary. You can follow the instructions on the pasta package, or read the following wikiHow.
Step 2. Boil the pasta as usual
Add salt to the water if desired.
Some packaged pastas provide instructions for cooking al dente. Since this guide isn't always perfect, you'll need to taste the pasta as it cooks to get a sense of its texture
Step 3. Taste the pasta after 6-7 minutes of cooking
After cooking for 6-7 minutes, the pasta should be slightly crunchy. Remember to blow on the pasta to let the pasta cool before tasting.
Step 4. Every 30 seconds to once a minute, taste the pasta
Al dente pasta has a chewy texture and is not crunchy when bitten with the front teeth. You can also cut the pasta in the middle and look at the slices. Al-dente pasta is generally overcooked with a bit of raw in the middle.
Step 5. Strain the pasta as soon as it is cooked
Calculating when pasta is done takes practice. However, in time you will be able to make al dente pasta like a pro!
