WHAT IS AL DENTE? HOW TO COOK PASTA PERFECTLY

Al dente, meaning "to the tooth" in Italian, is the art of achieving a pasta texture that offers just the right amount of resistance when you bite into it. Whether you are crafting homemade pasta to pair with a fresh pesto or making noodles to top with your Bolognese Ragu, al dente pasta is a culinary feat worth mastering. Read on to learn more about this technique and how to cook pasta with just the right texture.

WHY COOK PASTA AL DENTE?

Al dente pasta typically absorbs sauce better and has a more desirable texture and taste. If pasta is overcooked, it can lose vital starch and nutrients, which get left behind in the water.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN PASTA IS AL DENTE?

To know when pasta is cooked al dente, you can remove one piece from the water and test it. The ideal pasta texture should strike a balance between tenderness and firmness, offering just a bit of chewiness. Al dente is the pasta “sweet spot,” bridging the gap between uncooked hardness and the mushiness of overcooked noodles.

Pasta that is al dente will not be fully expanded or look like it has absorbed a lot of water. The pasta should also have just a bit of white in the center. Remember that different types of pasta require different cooking times, but typically, you can cook noodles for about two to three minutes less than the packaging indicates to achieve an al dente texture. And of course, you can always carefully taste test a cooked noodle to see if it has achieved the level of doneness you are looking for.

HOW TO COOK PASTA AL DENTE

Al dente pasta is the perfect pairing for your favorite homemade pasta sauce. Read this recipe to learn how to cook your noodles to the ideal texture.

STEP 1: BOIL WATER

To begin, pour the required amount of water into your saucepan. Typically you will want to use three to four quarts of water per pound of pasta. Next, cover the pan and set the heat to high. Wait for the water to come to a boil.

STEP 2: ADD SALT

After carefully removing the lid, add the sea salt. A generous tablespoon of salt is usually sufficient for every three quarts of water.

STEP 3: ADD PASTA AND REDUCE HEAT

Now that your water is boiling and has been generously salted, it’s time to introduce your pasta into the mix. Carefully add the pasta to the boiling water, ensuring an even distribution. Give it a quick stir to prevent sticking, then reduce the heat to medium.

STEP 4: STIR

As your pasta cooks, it's important to continue stirring it every few minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.

STEP 5: REMOVE WATER, IF DESIRED

If it’s necessary for your recipe, you can remove a cup of starchy pasta water using a ladle or measuring cup. This water can later be used to emulsify your homemade sauce for added flavor and texture.

STEP 6: DRAIN PASTA (BUT DO NOT RINSE)

Carefully transfer the pasta to a colander placed over the sink, or use a strainer spoon to lift it from the pan. The pasta should be tender yet still have a satisfying firmness to it. You can check for doneness by looking for a small white dot in the center. If the dot is present, then the pasta is at the right texture to continue cooking in and taking on the flavor of the sauce.

STEP 7: RETURN PASTA AND ADD SAUCE

When your pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, you have two options. You can either return it to the empty saucepan or add it directly to a pan filled with your favorite sauce. If you need to help the sauce achieve the ideal consistency, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, using just a little at a time.

AL DENTE PASTA COOKING TIPS

To achieve the desired texture, follow these tips when cooking pasta:

• Use a large pot for short pasta and a tall pot for long pasta. This allows the pasta to cook evenly and helps prevent it from sticking together.

• Ensure there is enough water in your pot for the pasta to move around freely. This helps the pasta cook properly and helps prevent clumping.

• Do not rinse the cooked pasta. Rinsing can make it sticky or chewy, affecting the overall taste and texture.

• Remember to decrease the cooking time indicated on the pasta’s box by approximately two to three minutes and check the texture at this time. This adjustment will help you achieve an al dente texture.

CAN YOU COOK FRESH PASTA AL DENTE?

The texture of fresh pasta is a bit different than that of dried pasta. Fresh pasta is already soft and cooks quickly in boiling water—sometimes as fast as two to three minutes. When cooking fresh pasta, you can check for doneness by carefully biting into a noodle to test its texture.

SHOP KITCHENAID® PASTA ATTACHMENT FOR MAKING FRESH PASTA

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU OVERCOOK PASTA?

Pasta can be overcooked if it’s left in the water for too long. Cooking pasta for an extended period can lead to a decline in its taste and texture. This can also result in the loss of starch and nutrients. To preserve the desired texture, do not exceed the recommended cooking time.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH AL DENTE PASTA

Al dente pasta can be served with your favorite type of sauce and bread, a salad with homemade dressing or another side dish that complements its flavor and texture. Try these options alongside or atop your al dente pasta.

• Homemade marinara sauce

• Fresh tomato vodka sauce

• Classic tomato sauce

• No Knead Italian Semolina Bread

• Crusty bread

• Chopped salad

EXPLORE KITCHENAID® COOKTOPS AND RANGES

KitchenAid^® cooktops and ranges are designed to support every culinary adventure. Get the perfect rolling boil for your al dente pasta or use the EasyConvect^™ Conversion System on select ranges to take the guesswork out of baking homemade bread.