Pasta timer
Cooking times by pasta shape
Times are for dried pasta in plenty of salted, boiling water, cooked to al dente. Start the timer when the water returns to a boil. For softer pasta add 1–2 minutes; always taste a piece a minute before the end.
Angel hair – 4 minutes. Spaghetti, linguine – 9 minutes. Fusilli, farfalle – 11 minutes. Penne – 11 minutes, rigatoni – 13 minutes. Fresh egg pasta – 2–3 minutes. Filled pasta (ravioli, tortellini) – 4 minutes, or follow the pack.
Pasta and sauce together
Add a second timer for the sauce or the garlic bread – each timer has its own name, and the one that ends first moves to the top. When the pasta timer rings, save a cup of the cooking water before you drain; a splash helps the sauce stick.
Questions
How long do you cook spaghetti?
Most dried spaghetti is al dente after 9 to 10 minutes in boiling water. Thin spaghetti takes about 7, and the pack usually gives the exact time.
When do I start the pasta timer?
Start it when the water comes back to a full boil after you add the pasta.
How long does fresh pasta take?
Fresh egg pasta cooks in 2 to 3 minutes. It is done when it floats and has lost its raw, floury taste.