Save to Pinterest I started making this in my first apartment when the stove broke and I had too much month left at the end of my money. Now I still make it even with a perfectly good kitchen because sometimes you just need pasta in ten minutes while standing in your pajamas.
My roommate walked in once while I was eating this straight from the microwave bowl and now she makes it three times a week. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that happen by accident.
Ingredients
- 75 g dried pasta: Short shapes catch sauce better and cook more evenly than long strands in the microwave
- 500 ml water: Enough to completely submerge the pasta so it cooks evenly without sticking
- 1/2 tsp salt: Seasons the pasta from the inside out as it absorbs the cooking water
- 100 ml sauce: Choose whatever sounds good tonight the pasta does not judge
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan: Adds that savory umami punch that makes it feel like a real meal
- Fresh herbs: Even dried herbs work if that is what you have on hand
Instructions
- Get your bowl ready:
- Place pasta in a large microwave safe bowl and add water and salt making sure every piece is submerged
- First microwave round:
- Cook uncovered on high for 4 minutes then give it a good stir so nothing sticks together
- Continue cooking:
- Keep microwaving in 2 to 3 minute intervals stirring between each until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite
- Check and finish:
- Carefully remove the hot bowl and test a piece if it needs more time give it another 1 to 2 minutes
- Drain the water:
- Pour everything into a fine mesh sieve or carefully tilt the bowl while holding the pasta back with a fork
- Add the sauce:
- Immediately pour in your sauce while the pasta is hot and stir until every piece is coated
- Finish and serve:
- Top with cheese and herbs add salt and pepper if needed and eat it right out of the bowl
Save to Pinterest This became my comfort food during finals week when anything that took longer than fifteen minutes felt like asking too much of life. Now it still hits the spot on nights when cooking feels like a chore instead of a joy.
Making It Your Own
Throw frozen peas or spinach into the bowl during the last two minutes of cooking and suddenly you have vegetables. Add a drained can of chickpeas or some leftover shredded chicken and it becomes a proper meal instead of just pasta.
Sauce Pairings
Marinara is the classic choice but pesto makes it feel fancy and alfredo turns it into pure comfort food. Keep a few small jars in your pantry so you never get bored with the same old thing.
Microwave Hacks
Use a glass bowl if you have one because it holds heat better and cooks more evenly than plastic. If the water level drops too much before the pasta is done just add a splash more and keep going.
- Cover the bowl with a paper towel if your microwave tends to splatter
- Let it sit for one minute after cooking to finish the last bit of cooking
- Double everything for an easy lunch tomorrow
Save to Pinterest Sometimes the fastest meals are the ones that stick with you longest. This recipe has fed me through busy weeks tired nights and moments when I just needed something warm and familiar.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does pasta cook in the microwave?
Cooking time varies by microwave but typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, microwaving in intervals and stirring to ensure even cooking.
- → Can I use any type of pasta for this method?
Dry pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni work best. Adjust water amounts and cooking times for gluten-free varieties.
- → How do I drain the pasta after microwaving?
Use a fine-mesh sieve or carefully tilt the bowl, holding the pasta back with a fork or spoon to remove excess water safely.
- → What sauces pair well with this microwave-cooked pasta?
Marinara, pesto, and Alfredo sauces complement this dish, whether store-bought or homemade. Add Parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables or proteins during cooking?
Yes, add frozen peas or spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking or mix in shredded cooked chicken or canned chickpeas before serving.