What texture should pasta have when cooked al dente?

When pasta is cooked al dente, it should have a firm texture with some resistance to the bite. This means that when you bite into the pasta, it should not feel mushy or overly soft, but instead possess a slight firmness that offers a bit of resistance. Cooking pasta to this point helps to maintain its structural integrity and enhances the overall eating experience. The al dente texture allows the pasta to better hold sauces, as it provides a pleasant mouthfeel and prevents it from becoming overly soft or soggy during cooking. This method of cooking pasta is also preferred as it can contribute to a lower glycemic index compared to fully cooked pasta, retaining more nutrients and flavor.