Here’s your quick reference. Print it. Stick it on your fridge.
• Fresh pasta: 2–4 minutes. Watch it like a hawk.
• Dried spaghetti: 8–10 minutes, but taste at 7.
• Ramen: 2 minutes 45 seconds. Set a phone alarm.
• Soba: 4 minutes. Rinse after.
• Udon: 10–12 minutes. Test for bounce.
• Rice noodles: Soak 15–20 minutes in hot water. Never boil.
One more thing: Never trust the package. The package is a suggestion. Your tongue is the boss.
Now go forth. Boil that water. Taste your noodle. Live your best carby life. And when someone asks, “How long do I cook noodles?” you’ll grin and say, “It depends. But I’ll tell you the secret.”