Final answer:
The texture of pasta when cooked al dente is firm. 'Al dente' translates to 'to the tooth,' which indicates a slight resistance when bitten into, and is the preferred texture in Italian cooking.
Step-by-step explanation:
When pasta is cooked al dente, the texture is A. Firm. This Italian term translates to "to the tooth," which describes pasta that is cooked enough to be safe to eat but still has a bit of resistance and bite to it. It is the preferred texture for pasta in most Italian dishes. The pasta should feel firm when you bite into it, indicating that it is properly cooked al dente.