To boil spaghetti noodles perfectly, follow these guidelines:

• Use a large pot filled with plenty of water (about 4 quarts of water per 1 pound of spaghetti). Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat and add 1 to 1½ tablespoons of salt to season the water

• Add the dried spaghetti to the boiling water, letting it soften for a minute so you can submerge all strands. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and keep the water boiling

• Boil the spaghetti for about 8 to 10 minutes for an al dente texture, which means the pasta is cooked but still slightly firm to the bite. This timing can vary depending on the pasta brand and thickness, so check the package instructions and taste test a strand a minute or two before the recommended time

• For fresh pasta, the boiling time is much shorter, usually 1 to 3 minutes

• Once done, reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce consistency

• Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it, as rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce adhere to the noodles

In summary, boiling spaghetti noodles typically takes about 8-10 minutes for dried pasta to reach al dente, with fresh pasta requiring only 1-3 minutes. Always taste test to ensure the desired firmness