4 Ways To Microwave Pasta - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Microwave Pasta PDF download Download Article 10 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: January 23, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Microwaving Pasta
    • |
  • Cooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water
    • |
  • Microwaving Premade Sauce
    • |
  • Cooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave
    • |
  • Ingredients
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Abyssinia Campbell is an Executive Chef and the Owner of Chef Abyssinia, Personal Chef and Catering. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in catering, event planning, menu development, meal planning, and food business operations. When it comes to cooking, Chef Abyssinia enjoys using fruits, vegetables, healthy food alternatives, and local farm-fresh ingredients. She holds a BASc in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 329,556 times.

If you're cooking out of a dorm or small kitchen, you can still make delicious meals, like spaghetti. Decide if you'd like to microwave the noodles using tap water or boiling water and oil. Once you've microwaved the noodles, serve them with your favorite jarred pasta sauce. Keep in mind that you can also microwave a hearty meat sauce that's great with spaghetti.

Ingredients

Microwaving Pasta

  • Spaghetti
  • Water

Serving size varies

Pasta

  • 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil, optional
  • Boiling water as needed

Makes 4 servings

Premade Sauce

  • 1 jar of pasta sauce

Serving size varies

Meat Sauce

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 2⁄3 pound (300 g) of lean ground beef
  • 1 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes
  • 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of boiling water
  • 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano
  • Black pepper, to taste

Makes 4 servings

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Microwaving Pasta

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  1. Step 1 Break up the spaghetti noodles and place them in a bowl. 1 Break up the spaghetti noodles and place them in a bowl. Measure out as much spaghetti as you'd like to cook in the microwave. Then break the noodles into halves or thirds and put them in a microwave-safe bowl.[1]
    • Keep in mind that most pasta noodles double in size after they cook.[2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 2 Pour enough water to cover the noodles by 2 inches (5.1 cm). You can use room temperature water or just run water from the tap into the bowl. It's important that the noodles are completely submerged.[3]
    • The noodles will double or triple in size as they cook which is why they need to be covered with the water.
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  3. Step 3 Microwave the pasta for 3 minutes longer than the package instructs. 3 Microwave the pasta for 3 minutes longer than the package instructs. Put the bowl in the microwave and read the pasta cooking instructions. Set the timer for 3 minutes longer than the manufacturer's recommendations.[4]
    • For example, if the package says to boil the noodles for 9 minutes, you'll need to microwave them for 12 minutes.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 4 Drain and use the cooked pasta. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the hot pasta into it so the water drains into the sink. Then top the cooked pasta with your favorite sauce.[5]
    • Refrigerate leftover cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Cooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 1 Break the dry spaghetti noodles and put them in a bowl. Get out 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them into thirds. They should easily fit into a microwave-safe bowl without sticking out.[6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 2 Coat the pasta with oil and pour in boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil to the dry noodles and stir until they're all coated. Then pour in enough boiling water to cover the noodles by at least 2 inches (5.1 cm).
    • Mixing the noodles with oil will prevent them from clumping together as they cook in the microwave.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 3 Microwave the spaghetti for 8 minutes. Put a lid on the dish or cover it with plastic wrap. Set the dish in the microwave and heat the pasta on full power for 8 minutes. Stop and stir the noodles once they're halfway cooked.[7]
    • Use caution when you stir the spaghetti since the dish will be hot.
  4. Step 4 Remove the spaghetti and let it sit for 2 minutes. 4 Remove the spaghetti and let it sit for 2 minutes. Once the spaghetti has rested for a few minutes, test a few noodles to see if they're as soft as you like. If they're too firm for you, return the noodles to the microwave and cook them for 2 more minutes.[8]
  5. Step 5 Drain and serve the spaghetti with sauce. 5 Drain and serve the spaghetti with sauce. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the cooked spaghetti into it. The hot water should drain into the sink. Then serve the hot spaghetti with your choice of sauce.
    • To store leftover spaghetti noodles, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 5 days.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Microwaving Premade Sauce

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 1 Pour a jar of pasta sauce into a large bowl. Choose a microwave-safe bowl that's large enough to contain any splatters from the sauce. If you want to microwave a smaller portion, just pour as much as you need into the bowl.
    • You can choose any kind of sauce you like, from marinara to alfredo!
  2. Step 2 Microwave the sauce in 30-second increments. 2 Microwave the sauce in 30-second increments. Put the bowl of pasta sauce in the microwave and use LOW power to heat the sauce.[9] Stop and stir the sauce every 30 seconds as it heats.
    • Keep in mind that it will take 2 to 3 minutes to heat a full jar of pasta sauce while a single portion might only take 1 minute.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 3 Spread the hot sauce over your cooked noodles. Once the pasta sauce is as hot as you'd like, remove it from the microwave and spoon it over cooked spaghetti noodles. Serve the sauce and noodles while they're hot.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Cooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 1 Chop 1 onion, 1 garlic clove, and 1 carrot. Peel the produce and set them on a cutting board. Then use a sharp knife to chop the onion into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) pieces and mince the garlic clove. Dice the carrot into pea-sized pieces and transfer everything to a large microwave-safe bowl.[10]
    • If you're short on time, buy a package of ready-cut onions and carrots to use.
  2. Step 2 Mix 2⁄3 pound (300 g) of lean ground beef with the veggies in the bowl. 2 Mix 2⁄3 pound (300 g) of lean ground beef with the veggies in the bowl. Mix the meat into the chopped vegetables as you break it into smaller pieces. This will help the beef cook evenly.[11]
    • It's important to use lean meat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. If you don't want to use lean beef, substitute ground chicken or ground turkey.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 3 Cover the bowl and microwave the mixture for 3 minutes. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Then cut a 2 in (5.1 cm) slit in the plastic wrap so steam can escape. Microwave the meat and vegetables for 3 minutes using high power.[12]
    • If you don't want to use plastic wrap and the bowl has a lid, set the lid on the bowl so it's slightly askew and steam can escape.
    • Use caution when handling the dish since it will become very hot.
  4. Step 4 Microwave the meat mixture for 3 more minutes. 4 Microwave the meat mixture for 3 more minutes. Keep the mixture covered and microwave it until the meat is no longer pink. To ensure it's finished cooking, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the dish. The meat should reach 160 °F (71 °C).[13]
    • If the meat is still slightly pink or hasn't reached 160 °F (71 °C), cover and microwave it for 1 more minute before checking it again.
    • Drain off any visible grease from the bowl once the meat has finished cooking.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 5 Stir in the tomatoes, water, stock, and oregano. Open a 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes and add it to the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Stir in 4 tablespoons (59 ml) of boiling water, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano, and 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon.[14]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Microwave Pasta 6 Microwave the meat sauce for 7 minutes. Lay the plastic wrap or lid back on the bowl and heat the sauce on full power. The sauce should begin to bubble and become fragrant.[15]
    • Taste the sauce and stir in ground pepper according to your taste. It's safe to taste the sauce since the meat is already cooked.
  7. Step 7 Microwave the sauce for 10 more minutes before serving. 7 Microwave the sauce for 10 more minutes before serving. Remove the lid and stir the sauce well. Then set the lid or wrap back on the bowl and heat the sauce for 10 more minutes. Stir it at the halfway point so the sauce cooks evenly. Carefully remove the sauce from the microwave and spoon it over the cooked spaghetti.[16]
    • Cover and refrigerate leftover meat sauce for up to 3 or 4 days.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Can you do a microwave lasagna next please? Community Answer Community Answer It's been done! Check out How to Make Microwaved Lasagna. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 12
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Things You'll Need

Microwaving Pasta

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Colander

Cooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water

  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Lid or plastic wrap
  • Spoon
  • Colander

Microwaving Premade Sauce

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon

Cooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Fork
  • Plastic wrap or a paper towel

Tips

  • To help pasta heat evenly in the microwave, don't put it on a plate in a circular mound. Instead, make a hole in the middle, so it's in the shape of a donut or ring. This helps it heat faster, and more evenly.[17] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • For gluten-free spaghetti, skip the pasta noodles and cook spaghetti squash in the microwave instead. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/microwave_spaghetti_44920
  2. ↑ Abyssinia Campbell. Executive Chef. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/meals/how-to-make-pasta-in-the-microwave
  4. ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/meals/how-to-make-pasta-in-the-microwave
  5. ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/meals/how-to-make-pasta-in-the-microwave
  6. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/microwave_spaghetti_44920
  7. ↑ https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-to-cook-pasta-in-the-microwave
  8. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/one-dish-microwave-spaghetti-111917
  9. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/one-dish-microwave-spaghetti-111917
  2. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/one-dish-microwave-spaghetti-111917
  3. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/one-dish-microwave-spaghetti-111917
  4. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/one-dish-microwave-spaghetti-111917
  5. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/microwave_spaghetti_44920
  6. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/microwave_spaghetti_44920
  7. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/microwave_spaghetti_44920
  8. ↑ https://hillstreetgrocer.com/featured-content/tips-and-tricks/how-reheat-pasta-microwave-right-way-kitchen-helper

About This Article

Abyssinia Campbell Co-authored by: Abyssinia Campbell Executive Chef This article was co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Abyssinia Campbell is an Executive Chef and the Owner of Chef Abyssinia, Personal Chef and Catering. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in catering, event planning, menu development, meal planning, and food business operations. When it comes to cooking, Chef Abyssinia enjoys using fruits, vegetables, healthy food alternatives, and local farm-fresh ingredients. She holds a BASc in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University. This article has been viewed 329,556 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 18 Updated: January 23, 2026 Views: 329,556 Categories: Featured Articles | Spaghetti Article SummaryX

Microwaving pasta is a useful trick if you don’t have a stovetop. To microwave pasta, first, place the noodles in a large, microwave-safe bowl. If you're cooking spaghetti, break the noodles in half before putting them in. Pour in enough water to cover the noodles by 2 inches. Then, microwave the pasta for 3 minutes longer than the stove-top directions call for. Carefully remove the pasta and drain it in a colander. To learn how to cook meat sauce in the microwave, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Geraldine C.

    Geraldine C.

    Jan 11, 2020

    "Didn't think I could cook meals such as pasta and meat sauce in a microwave! Now I can, and it will be so much..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Abyssinia Campbell Co-authored by: Abyssinia Campbell Executive Chef Co-authors: 18 Updated: January 23, 2026 Views: 329,556 100% of voters found this recipe helpful. 10 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Geraldine C.

Geraldine C.

Jan 11, 2020

"Didn't think I could cook meals such as pasta and meat sauce in a microwave! Now I can, and it will be so much..." more Alyssa K.

Alyssa K.

Jan 16, 2022

"I'm going to try this tonight, thanks for the instructions. I hate microwave cooking but I have no choice..." more Rated this article: Donna Silcox

Donna Silcox

May 29, 2021

"Seems so simple I should have been able to figure it out on my own but could not. Thank you. It turned out perfect...." more Rated this article: Marius Brown

Marius Brown

Feb 20, 2021

"Thank you. this really helped when I really wanted to make my favorite spaghetti fast and easy." Rated this article: Cathryn Stanley

Cathryn Stanley

Aug 10, 2021

"Turned out great. A real godsend for me as I don't have a hob. Would recommend it." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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