Microwave Bowl Pasta Quick (Printable)

A convenient method for perfectly cooked pasta using a microwave and minimal time.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 3 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)

→ Liquids

02 - 1½ cups water
03 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Optional Add-Ins

04 - 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
05 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or pesto

# Directions:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it occupies no more than half the bowl's volume.
02 - Pour in water and salt, then stir to blend evenly.
03 - Microwave uncovered on high power for 4 minutes.
04 - Stir the pasta, then microwave in 2-minute increments, stirring after each, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most water is absorbed, approximately 8 to 10 minutes total depending on pasta shape and microwave wattage.
05 - If necessary, carefully drain any remaining water from the bowl.
06 - Mix in olive oil or butter, Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and marinara sauce or pesto if desired.
07 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No babysitting a boiling pot or worrying about pasta water erupting everywhere.
  • Perfect for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or any time your main kitchen feels off-limits.
  • You can prep it while handling other things because stirring only takes seconds.
02 -
  • The pasta continues cooking slightly even after you remove it from the microwave, so pull it out when it's just barely al dente to avoid turning it mushy.
  • Every microwave has different wattage, so the first time you make this, check the pasta at the 8-minute mark and adjust your timing for next time.
03 -
  • If your pasta keeps sticking together, add a tiny drizzle of oil to the raw pasta before water, which helps it separate as it softens.
  • Using slightly hotter water from the tap or a kettle shaves off a minute or two of cooking time without changing the technique.
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