Spaghetti does not need to be cooked in boiling water but simply rehydrated in hot water. Cooking spaghetti in the microwave is a much faster method than waiting for water to boil on the stove in addition to the spaghetti cooking time. You can also very easily control the texture of the cooked pasta, stopping at the perfect doneness. It is even possible to cook a full pasta dish in the microwave. Keep reading to learn how to cook spaghetti noodles in the microwave.
How to Cook Spaghetti Noodles in the Microwave
Method #1:
Place a few cups of water in a microwave-safe container, and microwave on HIGH until the water is boiling. This varies by microwave but is typically around 2 minutes. Place the dry spaghetti in a flat baking dish that fits into your microwave, with sides to contain the water. Break the spaghetti to fit into the dish, if necessary. Add a light drizzle of oil and salt if desired.
Pour the boiling water over, just enough to cover and around another ¼ inch of water. Place the dish into the microwave and cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Remove the dish, use a fork to move the spaghetti around and separate the strands, and add more water if the level looks low. Return to the microwave for another 3 minutes. At this point, test the past for the desired doneness.
A small portion will take around 6 minutes total, but a larger portion could take a bit longer. Microwave in 30-second increments after this, adding water as needed, until the pasta is cooked to your desired texture. Serve with desired pasta sauce, butter, cheese, or other toppings.
Method #2:
Place spaghetti noodles in a large, microwave-safe bowl with a cover, breaking them in half to fit if necessary. Fill the cup ¾ of the way with water and place it in the microwave. Bring the water to a boil for around 2 minutes. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes until the pasta has softened to the desired doneness. Serve with desired pasta sauce, butter, cheese, or other toppings.
Full dish – spaghetti and meat sauce:
Place one pound of lean ground beef into a microwave-safe casserole dish. Crumble the beef up into small pieces, then add ½ of an onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once to break up the meat. Microwave for 2 more minutes or until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain off any extra fat.
Add a jar of spaghetti sauce, spaghetti that has been broken to fit into the dish, and 2 cups of water to the casserole dish. Add basil, oregano, or other seasonings if desired. Mix gently, cover the dish, and leave one corner with a small vent. Return the casserole dish to the microwave and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Stir well, and return to the microwave for another 8 to 10 minutes. Let the casserole sit covered for 4 minutes to distribute the heat throughout, and then serve. Top with cheese if desired.