Microwave Bowl Pasta Quick (Print View)

Fast stoveless pasta cooked in a microwave-safe bowl, finished with your preferred sauce and garnishes.

# Components:

→ Pasta

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

→ Sauce & Toppings

04 - 1/3 cup marinara, pesto, or Alfredo sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add water and salt, making sure the pasta is fully submerged; add more water if needed.
02 - Microwave uncovered at high power for 4 minutes. Stir thoroughly afterward.
03 - Continue cooking in 2 to 3-minute increments, stirring after each, until pasta is al dente, totaling 8 to 12 minutes depending on microwave strength.
04 - Carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot) and check pasta texture; microwave for 1 to 2 additional minutes if necessary.
05 - Drain excess water using a fine-mesh sieve or by carefully tilting the bowl while using a fork or spoon to retain the pasta.
06 - Immediately stir in your chosen sauce to coat the hot pasta evenly. Top with Parmesan cheese and herbs if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
07 - Serve hot for a quick and satisfying meal.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's genuinely fast—from raw pasta to eating in under fifteen minutes, no waiting for water to boil.
  • Everything happens in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup and fewer dishes staring at you afterward.
  • It tastes surprisingly good because the pasta stays tender and actually absorbs the sauce flavor better than you'd expect.
02 -
  • Stir the pasta at least twice during cooking or it will clump together into a solid mass that's nearly impossible to separate.
  • The water will seem to disappear into the pasta during cooking—this is normal and exactly what you want; don't panic and add more.
  • Different microwaves cook at wildly different intensities, so the first time you make this, start checking at eight minutes rather than automatically going the full twelve.
03 -
  • Keep a mental map of your microwave's hot spots—if you notice the pasta cooking faster on one side, rotate the bowl halfway through.
  • If you have gluten-free pasta, check the package because some varieties cook significantly faster and might be done in six or seven minutes instead.
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