Fresh pasta typically cooks ________ compared to dry pasta.

Fresh pasta typically cooks faster compared to dry pasta due to its higher moisture content and finer texture. Fresh pasta is made with just flour and eggs and has not been dehydrated like dry pasta, which is made from semolina flour and water. This moisture allows fresh pasta to absorb heat more quickly while cooking, resulting in a shorter cooking time.

When cooking, fresh pasta usually takes only a few minutes to become tender, while dry pasta can take anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes or longer depending on its thickness. This is an important distinction for chefs and cooks as it affects cooking times, ingredient preparation, and overall dish execution. Understanding the differences in cooking times between fresh and dry pasta is crucial for achieving the right texture and doneness in pasta dishes.