Quick Microwave Bowl Pasta (Printable)

Perfectly cooked pasta prepared entirely in a microwave bowl. A quick, convenient main dish ready in 12 minutes for busy schedules.

# 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

# How To Make It:

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 Advice:

01 -
  • One bowl means you can eat straight from what you cooked, no extra dishes to face later.
  • Your hands stay free while it cooks, so you can answer emails or fold that laundry pile.
  • It works in dorm rooms, office kitchens, and anywhere a microwave lives.
  • The pasta comes out exactly as tender as you want, no guessing or watching pots.
02 -
  • Never skip the stirring between intervals or the pasta will clump into a stubborn mass at the bottom.
  • Microwaves vary wildly in power, so check the pasta after 8 minutes to avoid turning it into mush.
  • Use a bowl at least twice the volume of your dry pasta and water combined to prevent volcanic overflow.
03 -
  • Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil to the water before cooking to reduce foaming and prevent sticking.
  • Let the pasta sit for one minute after the final microwave burst so it finishes absorbing water and firms up perfectly.
  • Keep a damp kitchen towel under the bowl while stirring so it does not spin around on the counter.
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