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 the tortellini and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender throughout, about 1 minute more than the package instructions for al dente.
2: Line a plate with paper towels and set it near your stovetop.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Ray's tip for cooking the pasta to just al dente ensures the finished salad has the perfect amount of chew without being mushy.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente, adding remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt to water.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
The pizzeria also offers lentil and pasta fagioli soups, salads, al dente spaghetti with meatballs, espresso and egg creams.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for al dente
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2025
Ray's tip for cooking the pasta to just al dente ensures the finished salad has the perfect amount of chew without being mushy.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente, adding remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt to water.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
The pizzeria also offers lentil and pasta fagioli soups, salads, al dente spaghetti with meatballs, espresso and egg creams.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 17 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 21 Jul. 2025.
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