al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā 

al-

: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture

al dente pasta

al dente adverb

pasta cooked al dente

Examples of al dente in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a great pick for anyone who likes their pasta al dente—the combination of semolina and lupini means each noodle retains a satisfying amount of bite after boiling. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 July 2026

Bake until pasta is al dente and sausage is cooked through, 25 minutes more. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Cook until al dente according to the package directions, reserving 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still a little firm to the bite). — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for al dente

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event