Not sure about the energy costs: surely a short wide pan dissipates more heat than the classical pasta pot.

You could be right but if you do it in a large pasta pot so only put in enough water to cover the noodles. No more. Add more if needed as the noodles soak the water.

You will, but italians will insult you for not respecting the 1 liter per 100g of pasta rule.

In practice, cooking it like a risotto is actually a great approach.

I’m Italian, and I don’t have any insults for you until you overcook your pasta or cook it unevenly.

I heard this a lot but when I actually try it like go describes my pasta gets mushy and mealy - what am I doing wrong?

Pasta being overcooked. Also may be using lower quality pasta.

temperature too low?