Al dente pasta is cooked, but still has a little bite. It’s firm, not mushy.
Take a piece of perfectly cooked spaghetti. When you bite it, you should feel a tiny resistance. A slight squeak against your teeth.
That’s the magic. That’s al dente. It’s like the pasta is saying, “Hey, I’m not done being interesting yet.”
The Great Overcooking Sin
Mushy pasta is a tragedy. It’s a sad, starchy puddle on a plate. Never apologize for firm pasta.
Think of it this way: Overcooked pasta is like a limp handshake. Al dente is a firm, confident greeting. Which would you rather meet?
Your Nonna would be proud. She knows the value of a good chew.
