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
Both dishes were perfectly prepared al dente and sauced with restraint, unlike many Italian-American eateries.
—
Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Cooking until al dente, where the center is tender but still just slightly firm, is key for the best texture.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Season with salt, if desired, then add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until 1 minute shy of al dente, about 9 minutes.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for al dente
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Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Cooking until al dente, where the center is tender but still just slightly firm, is key for the best texture.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 28 May 2026
Season with salt, if desired, then add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until 1 minute shy of al dente, about 9 minutes.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
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 4 Jun. 2026.
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