Move quickly! Pasta can go from al dente to overcooked in a matter of seconds.

Some chefs say to look for a small white fleck at the core (others think it should just disappear for perfect al dente).

Taste and drain it right when it’s tender but firm inside.

Start tasting the pasta a few minutes before the package indicates.

Don’t trust the package instructions! Most pasta packages have timing that results in overcooked pasta.

Win, win, win! Here are some notes on how to cook pasta to al dente: Cooking the pasta for this homemade mac and cheese to al dente means it tastes better, you get more nutrients, and you’re full for longer. It also has less nutrients and it makes you less full ( read more here). Here’s the thing: overcooked pasta is not only rubbery and unappetizing. It refers to cooking pasta to just the point where it’s tender but has a subtly firm center. What is al dente? Al dente means “to the bite” in Italian. Once you’ve got these two skills under your belt, the rest is a piece of cake! Let’s talk through these briefly before we start. Here are the two techniques you’ll have to master: Making homemade mac and cheese is easy, but you need to know a few basic cooking techniques to make it perfect. Alex and I made this for a recent family gathering and everyone around the table agreed: “this is the best mac and cheese.” How to make homemade mac and cheese: basic steps! Want to impress everyone? This homemade mac and cheese tastes homey and cozy, with the best gooey, cheesy sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs. Ready for the best EVER homemade mac and cheese? We promise: it’s really worth pulling out the superlatives here! Making this comfort food from scratch makes it taste infinitely better than the kind from a box. Here’s how to make homemade mac and cheese! Cook this ultimate comfort food from scratch and it’s better than any you’ve ever had.

Home made mac and cheese noodles