Microwave Bowl Pasta (Printable)

A convenient one-bowl method to cook pasta perfectly in the microwave in under 12 minutes, perfect for quick meals.

# What You 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 -
  • It takes twelve minutes from start to finish, and you only dirty one bowl.
  • You can make exactly one serving without wasting water or energy heating a huge pot.
  • It's completely adaptable, you stir in whatever sauce or cheese you have on hand and call it done.
02 -
  • Use a bowl that feels way too big, because starchy pasta water foams up fast and will overflow if you don't leave enough headroom.
  • Stirring between intervals is not optional, it keeps the pasta from sticking in clumps and ensures even cooking all the way through.
03 -
  • Save a spoonful of the starchy cooking water before draining, it's perfect for loosening up thick sauces or helping cheese melt smoothly.
  • If you're adding Parmesan, toss it in while the pasta is still steaming hot so it melts into every crevice instead of sitting on top in dry clumps.
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