Quick Microwave Bowl Pasta (Printable Version)

Perfect pasta cooked in the microwave in 12 minutes—ideal for busy days with minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

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

→ Liquids

02 - 1 ½ cups water
03 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Optional Add-Ins

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

# How To Make:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it fills no more than half the container to allow room for boiling.
02 - Pour water over pasta and add salt. Stir thoroughly to combine and distribute seasoning evenly.
03 - Microwave uncovered on high power for 4 minutes to begin the cooking process.
04 - Stir pasta thoroughly, then continue microwaving in 2-minute intervals, stirring after each interval, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most water is absorbed (8–10 minutes total cooking time varies by pasta shape and microwave wattage).
05 - If any water remains after cooking, carefully drain the excess liquid from the bowl.
06 - Stir in olive oil or butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and sauce if desired until well combined.
07 - Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while hot.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • The water-to-pasta ratio Ive perfected means you rarely need to drain anything, which feels like cheating the pasta system in the most delightful way.
  • Your microwave does all the work while you scroll through your phone, making this perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible but takeout isnt in the budget.
02 -
  • Different microwaves have varying power levels, so your first attempt might need adjusting, but once you find your perfect timing, this becomes foolproof.
  • Letting the pasta stand for one minute after the final microwave cycle allows it to finish cooking in its own steam while you gather your toppings.
03 -
  • The bowl will be extremely hot after cooking, so always use oven mitts or kitchen towels when handling it.
  • For creamier pasta without adding actual cream, reserve about two tablespoons of the starchy cooking water before draining and mix it with your cheese to create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each piece.
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