Here’s my favorite hack: set a timer for one minute less than the lowest time on the box. For example, if the box says 10–12 minutes, set your timer for 9 minutes. When that beeper goes off, taste the noodle. It’s probably still a little underdone—and that’s perfect.
Why? Because you’re about to finish cooking it in the sauce. This is called "risottata" in fancy kitchens, or "the smart move" at home. Drain the pasta just a tiny bit under done, then toss it into your simmering sauce for a final minute or two. It absorbs flavor and finishes cooking to that ideal texture.
Pro tip: Save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. It’s like liquid gold. Adding a splash to your sauce helps it cling to the noodles like a hug.
