How to cook pasta Al dente

Pasta "Al dente" means that the pasta is cooked enough to be firm but not soft.

Here's the method to cook your pasta "Al dente" . I used approx 450 grams of Barilla's Penne pasta

1.Take the pasta in a bowl and wash it once or twice, add water to it such that the pasta is well submerged. To this add add a tsp of olive oil and stir it with a spoon.

2. Microwave it for 10-11 minutes approx and stir it once halfway.

3.To confirm that the pasta is "Al dente",  take one piece and press it - it should be pliable yet firm enough. If it is hard then microwave for an additional minute and repeat the press test.

4.Take the "Al dente" pasta and drain the excess water in a colander  immediately and wash it with cold water. Traces of the oil will be present on the drained pasta.


Note: The microwaving time varies with the type of pasta and the microwave setting. I would advise using shorter intervals and checking with the press test if you are not sure of the exact cooking time for your type and quantity of pasta.

Serving tip: Spread the "Al dente" pasta loosely on a flat plate and pour the sauces as per choice and  requirements  just before serving .