Microwave Bowl Pasta Quick (Print Version)

Simple pasta cooked directly in water using a microwave for a quick, tasty dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2.5 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Sauce & Toppings

04 - 1/3 cup marinara, pesto, or Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
05 - 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add water and salt, ensuring pasta is completely submerged; add more water if necessary.
02 - Microwave uncovered on high for 4 minutes, then stir thoroughly.
03 - Microwave in increments of 2 to 3 minutes, stirring after each, until pasta reaches al dente texture (total time 8 to 12 minutes, depending on microwave).
04 - Carefully remove bowl. Test pasta; if not fully cooked, microwave for 1 to 2 additional minutes.
05 - Drain excess water using a fine-mesh sieve or tilt the bowl while holding back pasta with a fork or spoon.
06 - Immediately stir in selected sauce to coat the pasta evenly. Garnish with grated Parmesan and herbs if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 15 minutes with zero pots or cleanup drama.
  • Works in dorms, offices, or anywhere with just a microwave and a bowl.
  • The pasta comes out genuinely delicious, not rubbery or undercooked like you might expect.
02 -
  • Stirring halfway through is not optional; skipping it guarantees some pasta will be overdone while other bits stay crunchy.
  • The cooking time varies wildly between microwaves, so go by taste rather than the clock, because a minute of extra cooking time can mean the difference between perfect and disappointing.
  • Leave it uncovered while microwaving so steam can escape and the water stays manageable.
03 -
  • Use a wider, shallower bowl instead of a deep narrow one because it gives the pasta more surface area to cook evenly and makes stirring less of a chore.
  • If your sauce is cold from the refrigerator, add an extra 30 seconds in the microwave after mixing it in so everything stays warm all the way through.
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