Microwave Bowl Pasta (Print view)

Prepare perfectly cooked pasta in your microwave using just one bowl. Ready in 12 minutes with easy cleanup.

# List of Ingredients:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it fills no more than half the bowl. Add water and salt, stirring to combine.
02 - Microwave uncovered on high power for 4 minutes.
03 - Stir pasta, then microwave in 2-minute intervals, stirring after each, until pasta reaches al dente texture and most water is absorbed (total cooking time 8-10 minutes depending on pasta shape and microwave wattage).
04 - If any excess water remains, carefully drain from bowl.
05 - Stir in olive oil or butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and sauce if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You can have perfectly al dente pasta in under 15 minutes without boiling a single pot of water
  • The cleanup involves exactly one bowl and one spoon, leaving you more time for actually eating
02 -
  • Every microwave heats differently, so start checking at 8 minutes total cooking time to avoid mushy pasta
  • The water level will look dangerously high at first but trust the process, the pasta absorbs most of it
03 -
  • Use a glass bowl if possible since it lets you see exactly how much liquid remains and prevents overcooking
  • Let the bowl sit in the microwave for 1 minute after the final cooking time, the pasta continues to soften as it stands
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