How Long to Boil Pasta
Quick answer
Al dente: tender with a slight firm bite at the very center.
Times by doneness
Angel hair / thin
Spaghetti / penne
Check package; start tasting at 8 min.
Rigatoni / thick shapes
Tips
Use plenty of well-salted water, stir early to prevent sticking, and reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
Common mistake
Not salting the water — you can't season pasta back to properly seasoned after it's cooked.