Pasta cooking times vary by type and desired texture, generally taking around 5 to 15 minutes. For the most common types of dried pasta:

• Angel hair pasta cooks in about 5 minutes.
• Spaghetti and macaroni usually take around 8 to 10 minutes.
• Farfalle (bowties) and penne take about 10 to 14 minutes.
• Larger or thicker shapes like conchiglie (shells) can take 9 to 15 minutes.
• Fresh pasta and stuffed pasta like ravioli cook faster, typically 3 to 5 minutes.

The goal is to cook pasta "al dente," which means firm to the bite, usually cooking pasta 1-3 minutes less than the package suggests and tasting for doneness a few minutes before the time is up. Salted boiling water and stirring early on help achieve the best results without sticking.