Quick Microwave Pasta in Bowl (Print Version)

Cook perfectly tender pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with just water and pasta. Fast, easy, and requires minimal cleanup.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

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

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Place the dried pasta in a large, microwave-safe bowl (the pasta should not fill more than half the bowl).
02 - Add water and salt. Stir to combine.
03 - Microwave uncovered on high for 4 minutes.
04 - Stir the pasta, then microwave in 2-minute increments, stirring after each, until pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed (total 8–10 minutes depending on pasta shape and microwave wattage).
05 - If needed, drain any excess water.
06 - Stir in olive oil or butter, Parmesan, black pepper, and sauce if using.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No watching a pot, no boiling over, no draining into a colander you have to dig out of the cabinet.
  • Uses one bowl you can eat straight from, which means almost no cleanup when you're exhausted.
  • Cooks just one portion so you're never stuck with leftovers you won't finish.
  • Works in dorm rooms, offices, hotel rooms, anywhere with a microwave and running water.
02 -
  • The bowl size matters more than you think because if it's too small the water will boil over halfway through and you'll be cleaning the microwave instead of eating.
  • Different microwaves run at different wattages so your first attempt might take 8 minutes or it might take 12, just taste and keep going in 2-minute bursts until it's right.
  • Don't cover the bowl because trapping steam makes the water boil over even faster and you lose the ability to stir between intervals.
03 -
  • Stir in a spoonful of the starchy cooking water that's left in the bowl instead of draining it all, it helps sauces cling better and makes everything creamier.
  • Microwave your add-ins like frozen vegetables or cooked protein for 30 seconds in the same bowl before adding the pasta so everything heats through together.
  • Use a kitchen towel to pull the bowl out because the handle or edges get hotter than you expect, especially after 10 minutes of cooking.
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