How to Boil Pasta Al Dente

Help sauce stick to the pasta by not rinsing it after cooking.

"Al dente" is Italian for "to the bite" and is the desired state for pasta. Your pasta should be slightly soft on the outside and firm on the inside. Watching the pot and testing the pasta frequently will keep you from crossing the line from al dente to mushy.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Salt
• Pasta

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water. Use 1 qt. of water for every 1/4 lb. of pasta you will cook.

2. Bring the water to a boil on the stove. When the water starts boiling, add about 1 tbsp. of salt per 2 qts. of water.

3. Add the pasta to the boiling water.

4. When the pasta appears to soften, test a piece for texture. If it's crunchy, let it continue cooking. If it's firm, turn off the heat.

5. Pour the water and pasta into a colander. Do not rinse the pasta. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking.

Tips & Warnings

• Pasta should be cooked right before being served.

• When in doubt, always follow the cooking instructions on the package.

• Do not add oil when boiling pasta. It does not do the dish any good.

• Do not rinse pasta after cooking.

References

• Bon Appetit: How to Cook Pasta Al Dente
• Barrilla U.S.: Barrilla Pasta FAQs