Following the cooking time on the bag for "al dente" pasta has given us pretty consistent results. Some brands more accurate than others. But yeah, at this poi

Following the cooking time on the bag for "al dente" pasta has given us pretty consistent results. Some brands more accurate than others. But yeah, at this point I can tell when it's ready by stirring too. There's been plenty of moments where I've forgotten to set the timer and then have to guestimate the time left and feel readiness by stirring. Do it often enough and you just know when it's done. I used to taste it til ready when younger, but haven't had to bother in ages.