Microwave Bowl Pasta (Printable)

Perfectly cooked pasta prepared in a microwave-safe bowl in under 10 minutes. Simple, convenient, and ideal for single servings.

# 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 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • It frees up your stovetop when you're juggling multiple dishes, which is honestly a lifesaver during meal prep madness.
  • The whole thing finishes in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when hunger hits before motivation kicks in.
  • One bowl means one thing to wash, and sometimes that's the real victory.
02 -
  • Microwaves vary wildly in power, so those time estimates are guidelines, not gospel; start checking at 8 minutes and trust your eyes over any timer.
  • Never skip the stirring between intervals because the bottom and edges cook faster than the center, and stirring redistributes everything evenly.
03 -
  • Use a bowl with high sides because water boils up more in a microwave than on a stove, and you'll appreciate the clearance when it bubbles.
  • If you hear sizzling or popping sounds, the microwave has hit a hot spot; pause it, stir, and continue, which distributes heat more evenly.
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