What does the term "al dente" refer to when cooking pasta?

The term "al dente" specifically refers to a cooking texture that means "to the tooth" in Italian. It describes pasta that is cooked so that it is firm but tender when bitten into. This technique helps maintain the pasta's structure and allows it to hold its shape in a dish, while still providing a pleasant chewiness. Cooking pasta al dente also ensures that it retains more nutrients compared to overcooked pasta, which can become soft and mushy. This method is often preferred for both aesthetic and textural reasons in various pasta dishes, contributing positively to the overall dining experience. The ideal al dente pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten, showcasing the skill involved in proper pasta cooking.