What does "al dente" mean when applied to cooking pasta?

"Al dente" is an Italian term that translates to "to the tooth." When it comes to cooking pasta, it refers to the ideal texture that is slightly firm when bitten into. This means that the pasta should be cooked enough to be enjoyable but still retain a bit of bite, making it not overly soft or mushy.

Cooking pasta to this level enhances its flavors and texture, allowing it to hold sauces better and providing a more satisfying eating experience. The practice of cooking pasta al dente is often preferred in Italian cuisine and is an essential technique for anyone looking to master pasta dishes.

Other options describe textures that are undesirable for pasta. Cooking it until it is soft and mushy or to a soggy texture would result in a loss of structure and flavor, leading to an unappetizing meal. Cooking pasta without any sauce is irrelevant to the definition of al dente, as it focuses solely on how well the pasta itself is cooked.