How to Cook Pasta in a Microwave

Pasta can be cooked quickly in a microwave.

Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, whether it's the macaroni and cheese you loved as a little kid or an artisanal pasta in a brown butter and sage sauce as an adult. The only way to improve this classic comfort is to make your pasta preparation even easier by cooking it in the microwave.

Things You'll Need

• Pasta
• Water
• 2-quart bowl

Instructions

1. Measure out 6 to 8 ounces of pasta. Most dried pasta comes in 12-, 14- or 16-ounce bags or boxes now, so just use half of whatever package you have. Put your pasta in a 2-quart glass bowl that is safe for the microwave.

2. Add 1 3/4 cups of water. Depending on how accurate you were in measuring, you may have to add a little more or less to completely cover the pasta. If you prefer, flavor the water with seasonings or use stock or broth instead for extra flavor.

3. Microwave the pasta uncovered on high power for 9 minutes, stirring once during the cooking time. Depending on the strength of your microwave, you may need to add 30 seconds to 2 minutes more to the total cooking time.

4. Drain any extra liquid, if there is any, before dressing and enjoying your pasta.

Tips & Warnings

• This method makes 2 generous servings of pasta.

• Experiment with other shapes and sizes of pasta, and develop your own favorite recipes.