The typical cooking time for spaghetti noodles is about 8 to 10 minutes for an al dente texture, which means the noodles are slightly firm to the bite. To cook spaghetti:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Add the spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the noodles for about 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente, then test by tasting.
- If a firmer texture is desired, cook for less time; for softer noodles, cook longer.
- Avoid rinsing the noodles after draining to keep the starch, which helps sauce stick.
These guidelines ensure spaghetti is cooked perfectly every time, whether for classic dishes like Bolognese or other sauces.
