Microwaving Pasta: A Quick, Easy, And Steamy Affair

It is possible to cook pasta in the microwave, and it can be a great alternative if you don't have access to a stove or want to save energy. The general method involves placing pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with water, and microwaving on high for the time stated on the packet plus an extra few minutes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly. Firstly, it is important to use a large, deep bowl to allow the pasta to expand and ensure it is completely submerged in water. Additionally, stirring the pasta periodically can help prevent it from sticking together. Finally, the type of pasta and microwave wattage can affect cooking time, so it may take some experimentation to get it just right.

Characteristics of cooking pasta in a microwave steamer

Choose a microwave-safe bowl

When choosing a microwave-safe bowl to cook pasta, it is important to select one that is large and deep. This is because the pasta will expand and bubble up as it cooks, and you need to ensure that it is completely covered by water. A deep bowl will also help to prevent spillage as the water boils.

The bowl should be made of microwave-safe materials, such as glass or ceramic. Avoid using metal bowls, as they can cause arcing and damage your microwave.

It is also important to note that the bowl should be large enough to accommodate the amount of pasta you are cooking. If you are cooking more than one serving, consider using a larger dish to allow for adequate circulation and even cooking.

Additionally, make sure the bowl has a lid or a way to cover it. This will help to trap heat and steam, ensuring that your pasta cooks evenly.

By choosing the right microwave-safe bowl, you can ensure that your pasta turns out perfectly every time.

Add pasta and water

Adding the Pasta and Water

Now that you have your microwave steamer ready, it's time to add the pasta and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the right pasta: Short pasta types like macaroni, fusilli, and penne are best suited for microwave cooking. If you're using longer pasta, ensure you have a deep, wide microwave-safe dish to completely submerge the pasta in water.
• Measure the pasta: For one serving, use about 75-250g of pasta. You can double the amount for two servings, but be careful not to overcrowd the bowl to avoid clumping and uneven cooking.
• Prepare the water: You can use cold tap water or boiling water for this step. If using cold water, measure around 400ml, ensuring it completely covers the pasta. If using boiling water, you'll need less, about 350ml, as it will create more steam.
• Combine pasta and water: Place the pasta in your chosen microwave-safe bowl, preferably deep enough to allow for expansion during cooking. Pour in the measured water, ensuring the pasta is entirely submerged.
• Season: Adding a little salt to the water can enhance the flavour of your pasta. You can also add a small amount of oil and vinegar, though these are optional.
• Stir: Give the pasta a quick stir to separate any clumps and ensure even cooking.

Your pasta and water are now ready for the next step—microwaving! Remember to refer to the specific instructions for your microwave steamer for the best results.

Microwave on high

To cook pasta in the microwave on high, start by placing the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large and deep, as the pasta will expand and bubble up as it cooks. Use either cold or boiling water, but ensure that the pasta is completely covered by it.

Once cooked, carefully drain the water using a colander. Serve with your favourite pasta sauce, which can also be heated in the microwave.

Stir halfway through

When cooking pasta in the microwave, it is important to stir it halfway through to prevent it from sticking together. This is especially important if you are cooking more than one serving at a time.

To stir your pasta halfway through, simply open the microwave, give the pasta a good stir, and then return it to the microwave to finish cooking. This will ensure that your pasta cooks evenly and doesn't clump together.

If you are using a microwave steamer, it is important to make sure that the water is completely covering the pasta before you start cooking. You may need to add a little extra water if the pasta is not fully submerged.

When stirring your pasta, be careful to avoid splashing any hot water on yourself. Use a microwave-safe utensil to stir, and always be cautious when handling hot food.

By stirring your pasta halfway through, you can help ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the steamer. This will result in perfectly cooked, al dente pasta that is tender but still slightly firm, with no hard centre.

So, if you're cooking pasta in the microwave, don't forget to give it a stir halfway through! It's an important step to ensure your pasta turns out just right.

Drain and add sauce

Once your pasta is cooked, it's time to drain the water and add your sauce.

Draining the water

Use a colander to drain the water away. If you're using an Anyday dish, you can use the Anyday Strainer to strain any excess water before serving or storing.

Adding sauce

Now it's time to add your favourite pasta sauce. You can heat up the sauce in the microwave if you like. You could also try tossing the pasta in brown butter, parsley, and garlic powder, or stir in some pesto and ricotta for a creamy pesto dish.

Frequently asked questions