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Learn the secret to making noodles in the microwave in just 10 minutes! This quick method is so easy and if you are a pasta lover then this recipe is a must have for you because it takes making pasta to another level. You can use virtually any pasta noodle you want!
Cooking noodles in the microwave is incredibly fast and easy. There is no waiting around for water to boil, which can seem like forever when you’re ready to devour a bowl of noodles. We suggest using a deep bowl so none of that water boils over in the microwave, but if you don’t have a bowl big enough, just cover it with a microwave safe plate instead.
Why Cooking Noodles in the Microwave Works
This fast method saves so much time and counter space.
All you need is a microwave safe bowl large enough for water to stay contained, the noodles of your choice, and water! Making for an incredibly quick and easy clean up.
With this back pocket microwave noodle recipe, you will have so many pasta recipes to try!
This will work with any kind of noodle you have on hand, so there is no need to go to the store to buy anything extra.
Our recipe testers say,
“We are pasta addicts in this house, especially my little ones, and when they are hungry and have no patience I quickly warm up a sauce while I cook some noodles in the microwave and we have dinner in 10 – pretty amazing if you ask me.”
“This has been a game changer for me as I live in a dorm. I don’t love going to the common area to cook, so this saves me from doing just that!”
Ingredients for Microwaved Cooked Noodles
Pasta noodles of your choosing
Water
What Kind of Noodles to Use?
Spaghetti – A classic long and thin noodle with a little thicker of a center, but not as thick as a noodle as bucatini.
Elbows – You likely think of the classic macaroni and cheese, but elbows can be used for so many incredible pasta dishes, plus they are super cute.
Campanelle – This gorgeous noodle is shaped like a screw. I thinker sauce works great here as these noodles really hold up well and the sauce gets in every delicious crevice.
Fusilli – In the United States, this is also known as Rotini. You just might see these noodles floating around a picnic when pasta salad is involved.
Fettuccini – Did you know that Fettuccini is rarely eaten in Italy? It gained its popularity in America. You may have had Fettuccini Alfredo a time or two!
Linguine – Linguine means little tongues in Italian. How fun is that? It is similar to the flatness of fettuccini, but not quite as wide. This type of noodle is common all throughout Italy.
Rigatoni – This rigid tube shaped pasta is prevelant and most of Italy. The ridge on rigatoni are for the purpose of having a thick sauce stick to them well, and boy does it work!
Gemelli – Gemelli comes from the Italian word twins. This noodle is creates a DNA like structure with two small noodle twirled around one another and it is most often paired with pesto.
How to Cook Noodles in the Microwave
Combine the pasta of your choice with water in a large microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave and stir. Add more water if it has evaporated and microwave on high for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave again and give it another stir. Microwave in 1 minute intervals until you have achieved tender pasta noodles.
Toss pasta together with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Tools Used in This Recipe
The best large Pyrex Mixing Bowl. Perfect for making pasta in the microwave!
Silicon Tongs to easily stir the pasta noodles so no fingers get burnt.
Faqs
Can I really use any noodle I want? Yes, this method works for any kind of pasta that you choose! If you take your pasta out of the microwave and all of the water is gone, but it is not cooked, just add more water! Continue to microwave until tender.
Why is it taking longer than 10 minutes for my pasta to become tender? All microwaves operate a bit differently, some with low voltage and others with high voltage. Be patient and add more water as needed and pay close attention to the texture of your noodles when cooking in 1 minute intervals.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our
disclosure policy
for more information.
Learn the secret to making noodles in the microwave in just 10 minutes! This quick method is so easy and if you are a pasta lover then this recipe is a must have for you because it takes making pasta to another level. You can use virtually any pasta noodle you want!
Cooking noodles in the microwave is incredibly fast and easy. There is no waiting around for water to boil, which can seem like forever when you’re ready to devour a bowl of noodles. We suggest using a deep bowl so none of that water boils over in the microwave, but if you don’t have a bowl big enough, just cover it with a microwave safe plate instead.
Why Cooking Noodles in the Microwave Works
This fast method saves so much time and counter space.
All you need is a microwave safe bowl large enough for water to stay contained, the noodles of your choice, and water! Making for an incredibly quick and easy clean up.
With this back pocket microwave noodle recipe, you will have so many pasta recipes to try!
This will work with any kind of noodle you have on hand, so there is no need to go to the store to buy anything extra.
Our recipe testers say,
“We are pasta addicts in this house, especially my little ones, and when they are hungry and have no patience I quickly warm up a sauce while I cook some noodles in the microwave and we have dinner in 10 – pretty amazing if you ask me.”
“This has been a game changer for me as I live in a dorm. I don’t love going to the common area to cook, so this saves me from doing just that!”
Ingredients for Microwaved Cooked Noodles
Pasta noodles of your choosing
Water
What Kind of Noodles to Use?
Spaghetti – A classic long and thin noodle with a little thicker of a center, but not as thick as a noodle as bucatini.
Elbows – You likely think of the classic macaroni and cheese, but elbows can be used for so many incredible pasta dishes, plus they are super cute.
Campanelle – This gorgeous noodle is shaped like a screw. I thinker sauce works great here as these noodles really hold up well and the sauce gets in every delicious crevice.
Fusilli – In the United States, this is also known as Rotini. You just might see these noodles floating around a picnic when pasta salad is involved.
Fettuccini – Did you know that Fettuccini is rarely eaten in Italy? It gained its popularity in America. You may have had Fettuccini Alfredo a time or two!
Linguine – Linguine means little tongues in Italian. How fun is that? It is similar to the flatness of fettuccini, but not quite as wide. This type of noodle is common all throughout Italy.
Rigatoni – This rigid tube shaped pasta is prevelant and most of Italy. The ridge on rigatoni are for the purpose of having a thick sauce stick to them well, and boy does it work!
Gemelli – Gemelli comes from the Italian word twins. This noodle is creates a DNA like structure with two small noodle twirled around one another and it is most often paired with pesto.
How to Cook Noodles in the Microwave
Combine the pasta of your choice with water in a large microwave safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave and stir. Add more water if it has evaporated and microwave on high for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from the microwave again and give it another stir. Microwave in 1 minute intervals until you have achieved tender pasta noodles.
Toss pasta together with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Tools Used in This Recipe
The best large Pyrex Mixing Bowl. Perfect for making pasta in the microwave!
Silicon Tongs to easily stir the pasta noodles so no fingers get burnt.
Faqs
Can I really use any noodle I want? Yes, this method works for any kind of pasta that you choose! If you take your pasta out of the microwave and all of the water is gone, but it is not cooked, just add more water! Continue to microwave until tender.
Why is it taking longer than 10 minutes for my pasta to become tender? All microwaves operate a bit differently, some with low voltage and others with high voltage. Be patient and add more water as needed and pay close attention to the texture of your noodles when cooking in 1 minute intervals.
Combine dry pasta and water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes
Remove and stir, add more water if needed and microwave on high for another 5 minutes
Remove, stir, microwave in 1 minute intervals until pasta is tender
Enjoy!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our
disclosure policy
for more information.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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I never thought making noodles in the microwave could be so easy! Your step-by-step guide is super helpful. I can’t wait to try out the different variations you suggested. Thanks for sharing these great recipes!
It was simply perfect, especially for cooking for one person. I used elbow macaroni and converted it to garlic butter noodles when done. Since I ate it directly from the bowl, I only dirtied one bowl and one spoon. Life just got easier.
O was amazed how the sauce really got down in the crevices of the perfectly tender cooked noodles in the microwave. Dreams do come true. Thank you from our family to yours. Mmmmmmm
I’m Jaden Rae, former TV chef, three-time bestselling author, and creator of Steamy Test Kitchen, a 20+ year-old digital space where food, wellness, and personal evolution intersect. What began as a recipe site has grown into a space for storytelling, plant-based healing, and breaking the rules of modern online life. My work has been featured on the Today Show, Oprah, Martha Stewart, ABC’s Recipe Rehab, Tim Ferriss’ book, and more.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
Stay in touch with me in our 
I never thought making noodles in the microwave could be so easy! Your step-by-step guide is super helpful. I can’t wait to try out the different variations you suggested. Thanks for sharing these great recipes!
Do better at school. Her discipline needs to be worked on.
It was simply perfect, especially for cooking for one person. I used elbow macaroni and converted it to garlic butter noodles when done. Since I ate it directly from the bowl, I only dirtied one bowl and one spoon. Life just got easier.
O was amazed how the sauce really got down in the crevices of the perfectly tender cooked noodles in the microwave. Dreams do come true. Thank you from our family to yours. Mmmmmmm
I love all your microwave recipes. Thank you so much for all your tips
Looks Great!!
Love this recipe! Thank you