One of the things we’ve been dreaming about for a long time is being able to make pasta in the microwave. It would be so convenient to always have a recipe for homemade pasta on hand, and not having to stop at the shop every day to get a pack of dried pasta is certainly an incentive to try and master this technique. Many gurus out there will vouchsafe that this is both achievable and very easy to do, and we agree wholeheartedly. Let’s get cooking!
The Essential Ingredients
First off, you will need the pasta. We recommend using a cavatelli for this technique as it is much easier to cut and cook, and it looks more like the small clams that the dish is named after. You can also use any short pasta, although they will break down a bit more than the longer strands. Next on the list are some herbs and spices. We suggest using a mixture of rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder for the taste. You can also add in some chilli if you’re feeling adventurous! Next comes the milk, and we suggest using double cream, as it makes the sauce much more luxurious. Lastly, we need some butter to make the pasta extra creamy. When adding the milk and butter, use a rubber spatula to mix everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated evenly in the milk and butter. This is called tempering, and it allows the milk to cook the pasta to the perfect consistency. When mixed together thoroughly, the pasta should look like little pink ribbons that melt in your mouth!
The Method
Using your microwave oven is a simple process. Simply defrost your frozen pack of cavatelli, and pour it into a large bowl. Next, pour in the milk and butter mixture, and mix well using a rubber spatula. Do not hesitate to use a little bit of elbow grease to make sure that each piece of pasta is coated evenly in the milk and butter mixture. When finished, serve hot, and enjoy!
Some people may balk at the notion of cooking pasta in a microwave oven, but trust us, it is quite easy and convenient. You can always use a glass pasta jar or mug to create perfectly shaped individual portions, as each individual serving will take less than three minutes to cook. Plus, this way, you’ll know exactly how much food you are serving each time.
Of course, if you’re looking for an even faster option, you can also use a food processor to pulse the frozen pasta several times, until it forms tiny dumplings. Simply remove these from the jar, and place on a plate. While those dumplings are cooking, you can proceed with your evening meal, or prepare the veggie option for the day. When ready, serve in the jar. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
Apart from serving the pasta in a jar, you can also use a mug or glass pasta bowl. These are perfect for warming up individual portions, and ensuring that each bite is piping hot. Plus, they make the food look that little bit more luxurious when serving in a nice glass dish. When microwaving pasta, it is important to remember that the entire process must be carried out in 20 to 30 minute stints, otherwise, the pasta will become overcooked. So keep a close eye on the time clock, and ensure that your pasta stays piping hot all the way through!
Once you’ve mastered making good microwave pasta, the sky is the limit as to what you can cook. You can take it one step further and use the same technique to make fried rice, which is even more amazing when served in a mug or small glass dish! All you need is fried rice, the microwave oven, and a rubber spatula to mix everything together. It’s not difficult to find recipes for this too, as you can get the same result using your smartphone if you search online.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can also add in some cheese, or other flavourings into the milk and butter mixture. We think that freshly grated parmesan is a wonderful addition to this pasta, adding in a little bit of the restaurant flavour. If you want to jazz up your food a little bit, you can also add in a little spice such as paprika or chilli. Alternatively, if you want an extra protein boost, you can use eggs instead of milk. However, if you decide to go this route, you must use low-fat or fat-free milk, and definitely avoid any with added sugar.
Some people prefer their pasta served cold, so to keep those pickles, olives, and other brines fresh, you can always place the cooked pasta into an airtight container, and store in the fridge. This will make it taste a little bit more like the freshly cooked food you have in your oven right now!
Tips For Better Results
Always use a microwave safe container when cooking frozen food in the microwave. The pasta should never thaw before use, and all food should be prepared using a dishcloth to prevent any excess moisture from dripping onto the food. Lastly, after cooking, allow your pasta to rest for a couple of minutes before serving so that all the nutrients have been transferred to your food.
This recipe is so easy to make, and it tastes so good that it’s not even funny. We highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you’ve been longing for a fresh batch of pasta that you can prepare in the comfort of your home. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s in each bite, thanks to all those nutritious calories you’re consuming.