How long to cook spaghetti

Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party for friends and family, and you’ve decided to whip up a classic Italian dish–spaghetti. As you chop garlic and chop basil, you realize you’re not quite sure how long to cook the spaghetti to get that perfect al dente texture. Should you refer to the pasta package instructions, or is there a general rule of thumb? Knowing the right cooking time is key to impressing your guests with a dish that’s flavorful and cooked to perfection, so it’s important to get it right.

Typically, spaghetti should be cooked for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness and brand of the pasta.

Cooking spaghetti is both an art and a science, and there are a few factors that can affect the cooking time. Most dried spaghetti will require about 8-12 minutes in boiling salted water to reach the ideal al dente texture, which means it should be cooked until it’s firm to the bite. To start, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous amount of salt (about 1-2 tablespoons) to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Add the spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.

The cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the spaghetti; thinner varieties may only need close to 8 minutes, while thicker ones might take longer, up to 12 minutes or more. The best approach is to check the pasta a minute or two before the package time indicates–you can taste a strand to see if it has reached your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander, reserving a bit of the pasta water if you plan to toss it with sauce. This starchy water can help bind the sauce to the spaghetti, making for a deliciously cohesive dish. Enjoy your cooking!