Pasta timer
A free pasta timer preset to ten minutes, which covers penne, fusilli and most short shapes al dente. The alarm rings three times, loud enough to beat a boiling pot and the range hood. Also searched as spaghetti timer, noodle timer, al dente timer.
Cooking times by shape (dried, al dente)
| Shape | Al dente | Soft |
|---|---|---|
| Angel hair | 2–4 min | 4–5 min |
| Spaghetti, linguine | 8–10 min | 11–12 min |
| Penne, rigatoni | 10–12 min | 13–14 min |
| Fusilli, rotini | 10–12 min | 13–14 min |
| Farfalle (bow ties) | 10–12 min | 13–14 min |
| Orzo | 8–10 min | 11 min |
| Lasagna sheets (if boiled) | 8–10 min | Not needed |
| Fresh egg pasta | 2–4 min | 4–5 min |
| Gnocchi | Until they float, about 2–3 min | |
Package times vary by brand and thickness, so treat the label as a maximum. Al dente is usually one to two minutes under the package time. Start tasting a minute before the timer rings. Press 8 for spaghetti, or open the 8 minute timer and 12 minute timer directly.
A method that works for every shape
- Use a big pot: about 4 quarts of water per pound of pasta, salted until it tastes like the sea.
- Add the pasta only once the water is at a full boil, stir, and start the timer.
- Scoop out a cup of cooking water a minute before the end.
- Drain and finish the pasta in the sauce for 30 to 60 seconds, loosening with the reserved water.
Timing tips
- If the pasta will be baked afterward, as in a casserole, stop two to three minutes early.
- Whole-wheat and legume pastas often take a minute or two longer and go from firm to mushy quickly.
- At high altitude water boils cooler, so expect a minute or two more.
Cooking the rest of the meal? See the egg timer for a soft egg on top or the cooking timer hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook spaghetti al dente?
Eight to ten minutes for most dried spaghetti. Start tasting at eight; it should be tender with a faint firm core.
How long does fresh pasta take?
Two to four minutes. It is done when it floats and tastes tender. Thin fresh noodles can take as little as 90 seconds.
Should I rinse pasta after cooking?
Not for hot dishes; the starch helps the sauce cling. Rinse only for cold pasta salads.
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