Microwave Bowl Pasta (Printable version)

Fast pasta cooked directly in a microwave-safe bowl, ready in under 15 minutes with your favorite sauces.

# What You Need:

→ 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 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Place dried pasta in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add water and salt, making sure pasta is fully submerged. Add more water if needed.
02 - Microwave uncovered on high for 4 minutes. Stir thoroughly.
03 - Microwave in 2 to 3 minute increments, stirring after each, until pasta reaches al dente texture. Total cooking time ranges from 8 to 12 minutes depending on microwave.
04 - Remove bowl carefully as it will be hot. Test pasta; if undercooked, microwave for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - Drain excess water using a fine-mesh sieve or by tilting the bowl while holding the pasta back with a fork or spoon.
06 - Immediately toss hot pasta with your chosen sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It saves you from takeout prices and delivery wait times
  • You can customize it infinitely with whatever sauce or toppings are in your fridge
02 -
  • Every microwave is different so check the pasta a minute early the first time you make it
  • The water will boil over if your bowl is too small so give it plenty of room
03 -
  • Break long pasta in half before cooking if it is the only shape you have
  • Save a spoonful of the cooking water before draining to thin your sauce if needed
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