What does the term 'al dente' refer to when cooking pasta?

The term 'al dente' refers to a cooking technique that results in pasta that is firm to the bite. This texture indicates that the pasta is not overly soft or mushy, but rather has a slight resistance when chewed, providing a more satisfying mouthfeel. Cooking pasta al dente is often preferred because it helps maintain the integrity of the pasta and allows it to better hold sauces, enhancing the overall dish. The other options suggest textures that do not align with this method; for instance, pasta described as soft and mushy or overcooked loses its structure and flavor quality, moving away from the desired result of 'al dente' cooking.