What is a suggested method to check pasta products for doneness?

Pressing a piece of pasta against the side of the pot is an effective and practical technique for determining doneness because it allows you to assess the texture of the pasta without needing to remove it from the cooking water. This method provides immediate feedback on whether the pasta has reached the desired level of doneness. By doing this, you can feel if the pasta is tender or still firm in the center, commonly referred to as "al dente."

This technique can be particularly useful in a busy kitchen environment, as it minimizes the need for extra utensils, and helps maintain the cooking temperature of the pasta by avoiding excessive exposure to air. By incorporating this approach, food service personnel can ensure the pasta has the perfect texture, enhancing the overall quality of the dish served.

While tasting the pasta is a common method many cooks might prefer, it requires removing a piece and could lead to variations in taste testing when a larger quantity is being cooked. Checking the color can provide some indication but is not reliable alone, as color can change due to various factors. Measuring cooking time is helpful as a guideline but does not account for the differences in pasta types or personal preferences regarding firmness, making it less accurate than the pressing method.