Final answer:
The most accurate way to test if pasta is done is by tasting it. Biting into a piece of pasta allows you to feel the texture to determine if it has reached the desirable 'al dente' stage, which indicates perfect doneness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The only reliable way to test pasta for doneness is d. bite into a piece.
While packet instructions are a good guideline, they cannot account for variables such as pot size, water ratio, or stove heat. The folklore of throwing pasta against the wall to see if it sticks is not a reliable method for testing doneness. The suggested boiling time of 10-12 minutes can be a rough guide, but it is not fail-safe due to the aforementioned variables.
In contrast, tasting a piece of pasta gives you a direct assessment of its texture and, therefore, its doneness. When biting into it, you're looking for a firmness known as 'al dente', which means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight resistance in the center. This method ensures that your pasta is perfectly cooked to your preference and safe to eat.