What is a common sign of overcooked pasta?

Overcooked pasta is typically characterized by a mushy and sticky texture. When pasta is cooked longer than necessary, it absorbs too much water, leading to a loss of its structural integrity. As a result, the individual strands or pieces become soft and may begin to stick together due to the breakdown of starches in the pasta.

In contrast, pasta that is cooked properly will have a firm texture that offers a slight resistance when bitten into, referred to as "al dente." Additionally, a properly cooked pasta retains its shape well and maintains a vibrant color, indicating that it has not been overcooked. Therefore, identifying mushy and sticky pasta is a key indicator of overcooking, making it essential for achieving the desired quality in pasta dishes.