Cheesy Garlic Pasta Delight in the Microwave

Ingredients

- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta: Place 8 ounces of pasta in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
2. Microwave the pasta: Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave on high for PT8M-PT10M (8-10 minutes), stirring halfway through, until the pasta is al dente.
3. Drain the pasta: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts. Drain any excess water from the pasta, keeping the pasta in the same bowl.
4. Add seasoning: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta. Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the pasta. Toss thoroughly until the cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta. If needed, microwave for an additional PT1M (1 minute) to fully melt the cheese.
6. Final touches: Add more salt and pepper if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Total Time

PT15M
15 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Microwave pasta, Cheesy garlic pasta, Quick dinner recipe, Italian microwave meal, Garlic cheese pasta, Easy pasta dish, One-bowl pasta, Microwave cooking, Weeknight dinner, Quick Italian recipe

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Approximately 1200 calories for the entire dish

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