Why does it always take longer to cook spaghetti than what it says on the packet?

Altitude

or maybe you just liek it softer than most people.

This is because of the fact that the time given on the box is for when you place the pasta into rapidly boiling water and then you start your timer after the water has RETURNED to a boil.

Bring water to a rapid boil, place pasta in the water, wait until the water is radily boiling for a second time (wtih the pasta in it) and THEN start timing it.

It could be that the water is not boiling yet before the spaghetti is added to it.

cuz u have to take into consideration.. amount of water vs noodles + not all stoves cook @ the same temperature

probably the water is not boiling too much... add salt and a teaspoon of oil... it might help in cooking... bona petite!

they give the least amount of time to make it look more appealing to the buyer-there time is for pasta al dente, meaning it is slightly hard.

Add salt to your water ,then don't watch it for a while a watched pot never boils. Then add spig. when it starts boiling.

the trick is put salt in the water. they don't tell you that stuff.it really works

usually it takes about at least ten minutes, it depends on whether you like it softer or harder.