How some prefer their shells (2,5)

I believe the answer is:

al dente

(Other definitions for al dente that I've seen before include "Not soft to eat" , "Not overcooked" , "Of pasta or vegetables, firm when bitten" , "Tel Edna (anag.); firm to bite" , "Somehow cooked" .)

I've seen this clue in the Newsday.

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