Description

This Microwave Pasta Recipe offers a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious pasta dish using only a microwave. Perfect for busy days or when you want to avoid using the stove, this recipe cooks elbow pasta to al dente, then combines it with a flavorful tomato sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, milk, herbs, and cheese. The result is a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in just minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cooking Ingredients

1 Cup elbow pasta, uncooked
1 Cup water
1 ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce and Toppings

¼ Cup milk
2 tablespoon tomato pasta sauce
¼ Cup cherry tomato, cut into halves
1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella or pizza cheese
½ tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, sage etc)
1 teaspoon green onion or chives, chopped
1 tablespoon black olives, sliced

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked elbow pasta, water, finely chopped garlic, salt, and olive oil to a microwave-safe mug. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Microwave First Cook: Place the mug inside the microwave and set the timer for 5 minutes at full power. To prevent lumps and ensure even cooking, stir the pasta halfway through at 2 ½ minutes, then continue microwaving for the remaining time.
Add Sauce and Seasonings: After the pasta is cooked to al dente, add the tomato sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, milk, Italian herbs, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and green onion or chives. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with the sauce and seasoning.
Final Microwave: Microwave the pasta mixture for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt nicely and the sauce to thicken, finishing the dish perfectly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked pasta with sliced black olives and fresh herbs before serving. The pasta is now ready to enjoy.

Notes

Cooking time may vary between 5 to 8 minutes depending on pasta quality and quantity. For durum wheat semolina pasta, 8 minutes at high power yields perfect al dente texture.
Check pasta halfway through cooking and stir to avoid lumps and uneven cooking.
Avoid using Bambino Macaroni or low-quality pasta as they become mushy and break apart in the microwave.
Store leftovers in the mug covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to retain moisture.
Handle the hot mug with care after microwaving as it becomes very hot to the touch.