Microwave Bowl Pasta Quick (Print Version)

Fast pasta cooked in a microwave-safe bowl, ready in minutes with your favorite sauce.

# 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
05 - 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add water and salt, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged. Increase water if needed.
02 - Microwave uncovered on high for 4 minutes, then stir well.
03 - Microwave in 2–3 minute increments, stirring after each, until pasta reaches al dente texture, totaling 8–12 minutes depending on microwave.
04 - Carefully remove the bowl; if pasta is not tender, microwave for an additional 1–2 minutes.
05 - Drain water using a fine-mesh sieve or carefully tilt the bowl while holding back pasta with a fork or spoon.
06 - Immediately toss hot pasta with chosen sauce until evenly coated. Top with Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs if desired, then season with salt and pepper.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ridiculously fast and requires almost zero cleanup, making it perfect for those nights when you want real food without the real work
  • The method is foolproof once you know your microwave's personality, and you can customize it endlessly with whatever sauce or toppings you have on hand
02 -
  • Every microwave is different, so the first time you make this, check the pasta a minute early and keep detailed notes about what timing works for your machine
  • The water will boil vigorously and might overflow, so use a bowl that's at least twice as tall as the water level and never walk away during the longer cooking intervals
03 -
  • Add a splash of pasta water to your sauce before draining; that starchy liquid helps sauces cling better and creates a silky texture
  • If your pasta finishes before your sauce is ready, toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while you wait
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