Finding al dente pasta in the United States is not typically difficult. Al dente is an Italian term that means "to the tooth," referring to pasta that is cooked to a firm, slightly chewy texture. It is a popular preference for many pasta dishes, and most major grocery stores in the U.S. offer a variety of pasta brands and types that can be cooked to this desired texture.
When cooking pasta to al dente, follow the package instructions and taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time is up. The pasta should still have a slight resistance when bitten but should not be hard or raw-tasting.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in authentic Italian cuisine and cooking techniques, including the appreciation for al dente pasta. As a result, many Americans have become more familiar with the concept and often seek out ways to achieve this ideal texture when cooking pasta at home.
In specialty food stores or gourmet markets, you may even find higher-quality Italian pasta brands that are specifically labeled as "pasta al dente" or "bronze-cut" pasta, which can help you achieve the perfect texture more easily.
So, while it's essential to follow proper cooking techniques and use the right type of pasta to achieve al dente results, finding pasta that can be cooked to this texture is generally not a challenge in the United States.