How long does pasta take to cook?
Short answer
8-12 minutes
Most dried pasta cooks al dente in 8-12 minutes in boiling salted water.
What changes the time
| Condition | Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| for fresh pasta | 2-4 minutes | Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried. |
| for thick shapes | 12-14 minutes | Rigatoni and similar need a bit longer. |
Tips
- Taste a minute before the package time — that is the truth.
FAQ
How long for al dente pasta?
Usually 1-2 minutes less than the package time.