Microwave Bowl Pasta (Print Version)

Quick microwave method for perfectly cooked pasta in one bowl. Ready in 12 minutes with minimal cleanup.

# What You'll 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:

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 -
  • It's genuinely the fastest way to feed yourself when you're in a rush or working from a tiny space.
  • No pots to wash means you can actually enjoy your meal without dreading cleanup afterward.
02 -
  • Your microwave's wattage matters—a 1200-watt microwave cooks faster than a 700-watt one, so start checking at the lower end of the timing range and add time if needed rather than starting long and regretting overcooked pasta.
  • Never use a small or shallow bowl; the water will boil over and make your microwave look like a disaster, which I learned by doing it once.
03 -
  • Fill your bowl at least three-quarters full with pasta and water combination to prevent boiling over, but leave enough headspace that it won't splash everywhere.
  • Keep salt in a small bowl next to you so you can taste and adjust at the end if something feels flat, because a pinch of finishing salt can wake up the whole dish.
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