Weekends are the time to relax and enjoy yummy food - and what's better than some cheesy pasta? This dish is popular because it has so many varieties and can be easily prepared by anyone. There's a way to make pasta even quicker: using a mug and microwave. This method makes a small portion of pasta that will satisfy your cravings at any time of the day (or night). What's more, you don't have to use many vessels to make it - so less washing to do later too! Wondering how to make pasta in a mug? It's pretty simple. Check out our recipes and tips below.
How To Make Pasta In A Mug | 5 Easy Mug Pasta Recipes
Pro tip: While making mug pasta, be especially careful of quantities and cook time. Photo Credit: iStock
The basic preparation method for mug pasta remains the same:
- Fill a large mug with 1/2 cup of pasta and 1 cup of water. Add a pinch of salt. Microwave on high setting for 4-5 minutes.
- Open the microwave midway and stir the contents of the mug. Check if the pasta is cooked al dente/to your liking. If not, microwave in intervals of 30 seconds.
- Once cooked, remove excess water and add sauce, seasonings and toppings of choice.
- Place the mug back in the microwave and cook for 1-2 minutes more as required. Stir the pasta every 30 seconds to ensure the ingredients combine well.
- Garnish with grated cheese and herbs. Enjoy hot.
Also Read: 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid To Make Restaurant-Style Pasta
Tips to remember while making mug pasta:
1. Use the right mug
The mug you choose should be microwave-safe, and able to hold 350ml or more. If you want to add extra toppings, you need to have space in your mug for the flavours to spread.
2. Keep a close check on your pasta
After 60 seconds in the microwave, take out the mug and stir it before returning it for another minute. This way, you can also see if the pasta is cooking properly.
Also Read: 13 Easy Microwave Recipes | 13 Quick And Simple Microwave Recipes
3. Use the right type of pasta
Small pasta types like macaroni are better suited to cooking in a mug. Photo Credit: iStock
If you're doing this for the first time, it is best to opt for small-sized pastas like macaroni, penne or fusilli. It can get tricky to cook spaghetti or fettuccine well in the limited space of the mug.
4. Take care of quantities
Don't overload your pasta with too many elements - you don't want it to overflow. Also, note that chicken or veggies may need to be precooked before adding them to the mug. It is best to keep it simple. You can get started with the recipes below.
Also Read: This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Is The Perfect Summer Recipe That Will Make You Drool
Here are the 5 best mug pasta varieties you should try:
1. Cheesy White sauce pasta
This is the easiest pasta to make in a mug. All you need is milk, cheese, salt and seasoning. You can add other veggies or chicken as you like. But even if you don't, this pasta is sure to taste wonderful. Once the pasta is al dente, add around 60ml of milk and half a cup of grated cheese to make the 'sauce.' Then follow the rest of the instructions mentioned above.
Also Read: Want A New Kind Of White Sauce Pasta? Try This Creamy Cauliflower Pasta
2. Red Sauce Pasta
Another classic, red sauce pasta has a lovely tangy flavour. You can add around 1-2 tbsp of tomato puree, along with 2 chopped garlic cloves and cheese to make the sauce for one mug. If you don't have puree, you can use ketchup. But before adding it to the pasta, mix the ketchup with chilli flakes, oregano and other herbs to reduce its sweetness.
3. Pink Sauce Pasta
Get the best of both worlds with pink sauce pasta. For this, it is advisable to combine the sauce ingredients separately before adding them to the mug. You can make pink sauce by combining tomato pasta sauce/puree, cream, garlic, cheese, olive oil and seasonings. Once mixed well, pour 2-3 tbsp of the sauce into the mug, stir and put it back into the microwave to cook.
4. Pesto Pasta
Pesto sauce is a refreshing and flavourful green sauce that can be used in many ways. Photo Credit: iStock
This option is for when you have extra time on your hands. Pesto sauce is made by blending basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, cheese and pine nuts (You can use almonds in place of the nuts). Why go through all this trouble, you may ask? Because you can use pesto in multiple ways. Apart from adding it to your mug pasta, you can use it as a spread on bread slices or even as a dip with chips. Click here for the full recipe for pesto sauce.
Also Read: All About Pesto Sauce - The Origin Story, Pesto Sauce Variations And How To Use
5. Aglio Olio Pasta
If you're using a flat pasta like farfalle, you can even try making aglio olio in a mug. Penne or macaroni are not recommended because it is difficult to get the 'sauce' inside the hollow part of the pasta. To make the aglio olio sauce, mix olive oil, chopped garlic, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Heat this mixture for 20-30 seconds in the microwave before adding it to the pasta mug.
Also Read: When Pasta Went Desi - Hilarious Thread Reveals What Indians Add To Pasta
What are you waiting for? Try making mug pasta today! As we've shown you, it is so simple and yet rewarding! P.S. Don't forget to keep a slice of garlic bready ready.