How to cook pasta in microwave

How to cook pasta in the microwave

First, choose a microwave-safe dish that is large enough for the amount of pasta you want to cook.

Pour water over the pasta so that the water level is at least 2 centimeters above the pasta.

Leave additional space at the top of the bowl to prevent water from overflowing, as pasta expands during cooking.

Here's the step-by-step process for cooking pasta in the microwave:

• place your chosen pasta in the bowl;
• pour water over the pasta, covering it by at least 2 centimeters, and add a pinch of salt;
• microwave the pasta on full power for the time indicated on the package, plus an additional 2 minutes;
• after half the time has passed, pause the microwave to stir the pasta and ensure it isn't sticking together. If the pasta appears sticky, pause and stir every 1-2 minutes;
• when the time is up, carefully remove the bowl with a towel to avoid burns and check if the pasta is done. If it needs more time, microwave in 30-second intervals until fully cooked;
• once the pasta is cooked, drain the water using a colander.

You can then top the cooked pasta with tomato sauce, and add fish, pâté, vegetables, or any other favorite ingredients.

How long to cook pasta in the microwave

Like boiling, cooking pasta in the microwave requires different times for different shapes. Additionally, the power of the microwave also affects the cooking time.

Most pasta can be cooked in the microwave according to the time indicated on the package, adding 1-2 minutes to the specified duration.

For example, spaghetti, which is recommended to cook for 9 to 11 minutes on the stove, can be cooked in the microwave for 11-13 minutes. Penne or rotini, which take 11 to 13 minutes to cook on the stove, take around 15 minutes or slightly longer in the microwave.

Thinner noodles cook faster but carry a small risk of overcooking and becoming mushy.