Description
This Microwave Bowl Pasta recipe offers a quick and convenient way to prepare a comforting pasta dish using just a microwave. Perfect for busy days, it involves cooking dried pasta directly in water in a microwave-safe bowl, then mixing it with your favorite sauce and optional toppings like Parmesan and fresh herbs for a delicious meal in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup marinara, pesto, or Alfredo sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine pasta and water: Place the dried pasta into a large microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged. Add additional water if necessary to cover the pasta completely.
- Initial cooking phase: Microwave the pasta uncovered at high power for 4 minutes to start cooking the pasta evenly.
- Continue microwaving: Cook the pasta further in 2 to 3-minute increments, stirring well after each session. Continue this until the pasta reaches al dente texture, typically totaling 8 to 12 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
- Check and adjust doneness: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave—it will be hot—and test the pasta’s texture. If it’s not quite done, microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes as needed.
- Drain water: Use a fine-mesh sieve or carefully tilt the bowl while holding the pasta back with a fork or spoon to drain the excess cooking water.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Immediately mix in your chosen sauce to coat the hot pasta evenly. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy your quick and satisfying microwave bowl pasta hot as a fast meal or side dish.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on microwave wattage; adjust accordingly.
- Make sure to use a large enough microwave-safe bowl to prevent boiling over.
- Try different sauces like marinara, pesto, or Alfredo for variety.
- Adding cheese and fresh herbs enhances flavor but is optional.
- Stirring during cooking helps prevent pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Quick Meals
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: microwave pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy microwave meals, one bowl pasta, fast Italian dinner
