How long to cook pasta
Choose a method and size for a practical estimate; cooking times are ranges, not a substitute for checking doneness. How we calculate times.
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Estimated cooking time
9–11 min
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Check the package — shapes vary from 7 to 13 minutes. Start tasting 2 minutes early for al dente.
- Reserve a mug of starchy water for the sauce before draining.
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
Pasta cooking time by size
| Size | Approximate | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dried | Most common shapes | 9–11 min |
| Fresh | Refrigerated egg pasta | 3 min |
How to know when it's done
Time is an estimate. Taste test at the early end of the range, and remember food keeps cooking slightly after it leaves the heat.
Food-level cooking reference: BBC Good Food — How to cook pasta (checked 2026-08-18). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you boil dried pasta?
9–11 minutes for most shapes, tasting from 8 minutes for al dente. Thin pasta like angel hair is done in 5–6.
How much salt should pasta water have?
Roughly 1 tablespoon per 4 liters — it should taste like a mild soup. Salting is the only chance to season the pasta itself.