If you've overcooked pasta and it has become mushy or too soft, here are a few things you can try to salvage it:
Rinse with cold water: Drain the overcooked pasta and rinse it immediately with cold water. This will help stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly. It can also help remove some of the excess starch that may contribute to the mushy texture.
Reheat with sauce: If you're serving the pasta with a sauce, you can try reheating the overcooked pasta by tossing it in the sauce over low heat. The sauce can help add moisture and flavor to the pasta while potentially masking some of the texture issues.
Sauté or stir-fry: Another way to improve the texture of overcooked pasta is to give it a quick sauté or stir-fry. Heat some oil or butter in a skillet, add the pasta, and cook it over medium-high heat until it starts to crisp up slightly. This method can help remove excess moisture and add a bit of texture back to the pasta.
Make a pasta salad or bake it: Overcooked pasta can be repurposed into a cold pasta salad. Combine it with fresh vegetables, dressing, and other ingredients of your choice. Alternatively, you can incorporate the overcooked pasta into a baked dish like a casserole or pasta bake, where it will be combined with other ingredients and sauces.
Remember that while these methods may help improve the texture of overcooked pasta, they may not completely restore it to its original state. It's always best to cook pasta until it is al dente (firm to the bite) to achieve the desired texture.