Here’s where the clock gets tricky. While the pasta boils, you’re not just standing there. The actual total time includes bringing a large pot of salted water to a full, vigorous boil. Depending on your stove and pot size, this can take 8 to 12 minutes on its own.
Pro tip: Use the largest pot you own. Pasta needs room to dance. For every pound of spaghetti, you need at least 4 to 6 quarts of water. And don’t be shy with the salt—a generous tablespoon makes the pasta taste seasoned from the inside out.
While you wait, you can prep your sauce components. This is the secret to a fast weeknight dinner: multitasking is your ally. The water will boil, and you’ll already have garlic chopped and a can of tomatoes cracked open.