How To Cook Pasta In The Microwave

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Want to learn How To Cook Pasta In The Microwave? It’s super easy! And the pasta comes out perfectly cooked. You’ll love the convenience of this recipe.

bowl of microwaved pasta

Microwave Pasta

Cooking pasta in the microwave is a super fast and easy way to whip up a tasty meal. It saves time because you don’t have to wait for a big pot of water to boil on the stove. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, some water, and your favorite pasta. It’s a great option for when you’re feeling hungry and don’t want to wait around.

bowl of pasta in microwave

Once it’s cooked to your liking, drain the excess water, add your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a simple and speedy microwave pasta ready to enjoy! It’s a fuss-free solution for a quick and delicious meal. Cooking pasta in the microwave is a quick and easy way to satisfy your pasta cravings!

Looking for more pasta recipes? We’ve got plenty of tried-and-true recipes! Check out Whole Wheat Spaghetti With Garlic And Olive Oil, Cheesy Sausage One Pot Penne Pasta Recipe, and One-Pot Pasta Recipe With Ground Meat (Easy 20 Minute Meal!).

fork holding bite of microwaved pasta

How To Make Pasta In The Microwave

Add pasta to a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle in some salt and pour in water until the pasta is covered. You may need to arrange the pasta noodles so that they are completely submerged.

Place a microwave-safe lid on top and add the container to the microwave. Check the package instructions and heat the pasta for the recommended amount of time, plus 3 minutes.

bowl of cooked pasta in the microwave

Once the time is up, check the tenderness of the pasta. If it not yet to your liking, continue heating for one minute at a time, until the pasta is how you prefer it.

Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to remove the hot bowl from microwave.

Drain pasta in a colander and then add pasta back into the bowl for serving.

Cooking Tips

  • Be sure to use a large bowl in case the water boils over while the pasta is cooking
  • Adding salt is optional
  • Cover the bowl loosely for microwaving

forkful of pasta cooked in the microwave

How Long Does It Take To Cook Pasta In The Microwave?

For best results, cook the pasta according to the package instructions and add 3 minutes. This should give the water enough time to boil and cook the pasta. If it is still not tender enough to your liking, heat for another minute or two and check again.

What To Serve With Microwaved Pasta

This easy dish would be a great start to any pasta dinner. Try topping the noodles with Ground Turkey Bolognese Sauce, Instant Pot Cherry Tomato Sauce, or Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe (Fresh Italian Homemade Pesto, Best Ever!).

Or use it in a delicious pasta salad for the perfect potluck meal. We love Easy Chicken Pasta Salad (Healthy Main Dish Pasta Salad Recipe!), Best Ever Macaroni Salad Recipe, or One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe.

items need to learn how to cook pasta in the microwave

More Recipes You Can Make In The Microwave

Microwave Small Potatoes

2-Ingredient Microwave Fudge

Tortilla Cinnamon Rolls In A Microwave

Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie

Microwave Rice Krispie Treats

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How To Cook Pasta In The Microwave

Want to learn How To Cook Pasta In The Microwave? It's super easy! And the pasta comes out perfectly cooked. You'll love the convenience of this recipe.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Dinner, Pasta, Side Dish
Keyword: How To Cook Pasta In The Microwave
Cooking Method: Microwave
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 421kcal

Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 16 oz pasta
  • 1 tsp salt optional
  • 5 cups water enough to cover pasta

Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)

  • Microwave

Instructions

  • Add pasta to a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Sprinkle in some salt and pour in water until the pasta is covered. You may need to arrange the pasta noodles so that they are completely submerged.
  • Place a microwave-safe lid on top and add the container to the microwave. Check the package instructions and heat the pasta for the recommended amount of time, plus 3 minutes.
  • Once the time is up, check the tenderness of the pasta. If it not yet to your liking, continue heating for one minute at a time, until the pasta is how you prefer it.
  • Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to remove the hot bowl from microwave.
  • Drain pasta in a colander and then add pasta back into the bowl for serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to use a large bowl in case the water boils over while the pasta is cooking
  • Adding salt is optional
  • Cover the bowl loosely for microwaving
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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 253mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks for the tip about using a large bowl! I’ve had boil-overs before, but this method worked

5 from 1 vote

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