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
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
—
Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Once kernels are slightly more tender than al dente, add slurry.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Sardines, however, provide significantly higher levels of nutrients per serving, among them omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12, plus calcium if eating bone-in options (totally safe to eat, as the canning process softens them to the texture of very al dente pasta).
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2026
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for al dente
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Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
Once kernels are slightly more tender than al dente, add slurry.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2026
Sardines, however, provide significantly higher levels of nutrients per serving, among them omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B12, plus calcium if eating bone-in options (totally safe to eat, as the canning process softens them to the texture of very al dente pasta).
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 June 2026
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 8 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.
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