Microwave Bowl Pasta Quick (Printable Version)

Cook pasta directly in a microwave-safe bowl for a speedy, satisfying hot dish with your favorite sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 (store-bought or homemade)
05 - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Place dried pasta into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Add water and salt, ensuring pasta is fully submerged. Increase water if necessary.
02 - Microwave the bowl uncovered on high for 4 minutes. Stir the pasta thoroughly.
03 - Microwave in 2 to 3 minute increments, stirring after each until pasta reaches al dente texture. Total cook time ranges from 8 to 12 minutes depending on microwave power.
04 - Carefully remove the bowl and check the pasta. Microwave an additional 1 to 2 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 - Add your preferred sauce to the hot pasta and stir to coat evenly.
07 - Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes longer to boil water than to make this entire meal, which is genuinely shocking the first time you realize it.
  • One bowl means minimal cleanup, perfect for anyone living in a dorm, office, or just really tired on a Tuesday night.
  • You can have hot, real pasta ready in less time than delivery would take to arrive.
02 -
  • The exact cooking time depends entirely on your microwave's wattage, so the first time you make this, check the pasta starting around the 8-minute mark rather than waiting until 12 and ending up with mush.
  • That starchy water you might be tempted to drain completely? Keep a little of it—it's the secret to sauce sticking instead of just sitting on top of your pasta.
03 -
  • Gluten-free pasta cooks faster in the microwave than regular pasta, so cut two minutes off the total time and check early to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a bowl that's visibly larger than you think you need—the water will bubble and threaten to overflow, and you don't want hot starchy water all over your microwave.
Go Back