Hard pasta is an indication that it was undercooked, not overcooked. When pasta is undercooked, it remains tough and chewy, making it difficult to enjoy. On the other hand, overcooked pasta becomes soft and mushy, losing its desirable texture.
The ideal cooking time for pasta varies depending on the type and thickness of the pasta. It is important to follow the cooking instructions on the package and taste the pasta as it cooks to ensure it reaches the desired level of tenderness. Generally, pasta should be cooked until it is "al dente," which means it should have a firm bite but not be hard or overly soft.