What is the proper term for properly cooked pasta?

There isn't a single "proper term" for perfectly cooked pasta, but here are some terms that describe pasta cooked to the right texture:

* Al dente: This is the most common and widely recognized term. It means "to the tooth," indicating that the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness to the bite.

* Tender: This is a more general term, but it still implies that the pasta is cooked through and not mushy.

* Firm: Similar to al dente, this term emphasizes the slight resistance of the pasta when bitten.

* Cooked through: This describes pasta that is fully cooked, without any raw or undercooked parts.

Ultimately, the ideal texture of pasta is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer their pasta slightly softer than al dente, while others prefer it a bit firmer.

The important thing is to cook the pasta to the desired texture, whichever term you use to describe it!