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
Add pasta, gently stirring to submerge pasta in water; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions for al dente.
—
Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
Reduce heat to medium and boil gently, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente (tender but with a little bite), about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 19 May 2025
The finished product has a medley of textures: al dente veggies, bouncy noodles, and tender meatballs.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 2025
Discard the strings and save the stem ends for stock.
Cook until al dente.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for al dente
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Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 May 2025
Reduce heat to medium and boil gently, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente (tender but with a little bite), about 10 to 12 minutes.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 19 May 2025
The finished product has a medley of textures: al dente veggies, bouncy noodles, and tender meatballs.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 2025
Discard the strings and save the stem ends for stock.
Cook until al dente.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for al dente
Cite this Entry
“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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