Name: How to Microwave Pasta
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 250 g Pasta, Any Shape; Water; 1 tsp Salt

Ingredients

250g Pasta Any Shape
Water Enough to Cover the Pasta
1 tsp Salt

Quick Summary

Add pasta to a microwave-safe bowl then cover with water. Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes on high (based on 900w), stirring halfway through, until cooked through.

Method

Step 1: Grab Container

Select a large microwave-safe bowl. It should be large enough to allow the pasta to expand without the water boiling over. The bigger, the better!

Step 2: Add Pasta and Water

Place the pasta in the bowl and pour in enough water to cover it completely. The pasta should be fully submerged, with a few centimetres of water above it to allow for proper cooking.

Uncooked dry pasta in a glass bowl covered with water

Add the salt to the water. This is crucial as it seasons the pasta and helps enhance its flavour.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a plate. Microwave the pasta on high power for about 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time might vary based on the pasta shape and your microwave, so it’s good to start checking at 10 minutes.

A woman's hands covering a glass bowl with water and pasta in it with cling film

Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from sticking together.

These timings are based on a 900w microwave. You’ll need to increase or decrease the cooking time for higher and lower-wattage microwaves respectively.

Step 4: Check

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the bowl and check if the pasta is cooked to your liking. If it’s too firm, microwave it in additional 1-minute intervals until it’s perfect.

Carefully removing cling film from a bowl of hot pasta

Step 5: Drain

Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain out the hot water. You can use a colander or just tip the bowl while holding the pasta back with a lid or fork.

Step 6: Serve

Your pasta is now ready to be dressed up with your favourite sauce or simply tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Serving cooked pasta with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Tweaks

Melt In Cheese Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese while the pasta is still hot. The heat will melt the cheese, giving you a gooey, delicious sauce.
Stir Through Pesto Mix in a couple of tablespoons of store-bought or homemade pesto for a quick pasta dish. Basil pesto is popular, but you can also try sun-dried tomato, rocket, or spinach pesto for a change.
Serve With Tomatoes and Basil Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a fresh, vibrant dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt.
Go Alfredo Create a quick Alfredo-like sauce by mixing in some cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. We have a microwave Alfredo recipe here.

Storage

In the Fridge Cool the cooked pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. To prevent sticking, drizzle a little olive oil or stir in a touch of sauce before refrigerating.

In the Freezer Cool the pasta completely and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen, adding a bit of water or sauce to prevent drying out.

Other Types

How to Microwave Spaghetti

To microwave spaghetti, break the strands in half if needed and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the spaghetti with water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Microwave on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender, stirring halfway through cooking.

How to Microwave Ravioli

To microwave ravioli, place the ravioli in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with water or sauce. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, stirring once midway through, until the ravioli are heated through.

How to Microwave Lasagne

To microwave lasagne, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid. Microwave on medium power for about 5 minutes, then check if it’s heated through. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals if needed. Ensure it’s heated evenly throughout before serving.

FAQs

How Do You Prevent Pasta From Sticking Together in the Microwave?

To prevent pasta from sticking, stir the pasta a few times during cooking, and ensure there is enough water to cover it completely.

Does Microwaved Pasta Have a Different Texture?

Microwaving pasta can sometimes result in a different texture, often softer and less al dente than boiling in a pot.

How Do You Reheat Cooked Pasta in the Microwave?

To reheat cooked pasta, place it in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle some water over it to prevent drying out, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap before heating.

Can You Cook Pasta With Sauce in the Microwave?

Yes, you can cook pasta with sauce in the microwave by combining them in a microwave-safe dish, covering it, and cooking until the pasta is tender and the sauce is hot. Adjust the cooking time based on the amount and type of pasta and sauce.

Tips

Stir Regularly To avoid clumps, stir the pasta a few times during cooking, not just halfway through. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Check the Water Level:Ensure there’s enough water to cover the pasta completely, plus a bit more to account for absorption and evaporation. Too little water can result in unevenly cooked pasta.

Use a Deep Bowl Choose a deep, microwave-safe bowl to prevent water from boiling over. The extra space allows for bubbling without making a mess.

Salt A LOT Just like cooking pasta on a stovetop, salting the water is crucial. It flavours the pasta internally as it cooks.

Reserve Water Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. Its starchiness is perfect for adjusting the consistency of your sauce or helping it adhere to the pasta.

Choose the Right Shapes Some shapes cook better in the microwave than others. Short, robust shapes like penne or rigatoni tend to cook more evenly than long strands or delicate shapes.