Cup pasta is a delicious and quick hack – start with these 5 easy recipes

Weekends are the time to relax and enjoy delicious food, and what’s better than some crackers and cheese? pasta? This dish is popular because it has many varieties and anyone can easily prepare it. There is a way to make pasta even faster: using a mug and a 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 need to use many containers to make it, so you’ll have to wash less afterwards 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 cup | 5 easy cup pasta recipes

The basic method of preparing cup 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 for 4-5 minutes.
• Open the microwave halfway and stir the contents of the cup. Check if the pasta is cooked al dente/to your liking. Otherwise, microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Once cooked, remove excess water and add sauce, seasonings and dressings of your choice.
• Place the mug back in the microwave and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes as needed. Stir the pasta every 30 seconds to make sure the ingredients are combined well.
• Garnish with grated cheese and herbs. Enjoy hot.

Also read: 7 mistakes to avoid when making restaurant-style pasta

Tips to remember when making cup pasta:

1. Use the right cup
The mug you choose should be microwave-safe and hold 350 ml or more. If you want to add additional ingredients, you must have room in your cup so that the flavors spread.

2. Keep a close eye on your pasta
After 60 seconds in the microwave, take out the mug and give it a stir before returning it for another minute. This way you can also check if the pasta is cooking correctly.
Also read: 13 easy microwave recipes | 13 quick and easy microwave recipes

3. Use the right type of pasta

_{Small types of pasta, such as macaroni, are more suitable for cooking in a cup. Photo credit: iStock}

If this is your first time, it is best to opt for small pastas such as macaroni, penne or fusilli. It can be difficult to cook spaghetti or fettuccine well in the limited space of the cup.

4. Take care of the quantities
Don’t overload the pasta with too many elements; You don’t want it to overflow. Also, keep in mind that chicken or vegetables may need to be precooked before adding them to the cup. It’s best to keep it simple. You can start with the recipes below.
Also read: This Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta is the Perfect Summer Recipe That Will Make You Drool

Here are the top 5 cup pasta varieties you must try:

1. Pasta with white sauce and cheese

This is the easiest pasta to make in a cup. All you need is milk, cheese, salt and seasonings. You can add other vegetables or chicken whatever you want. But even if you don’t, this pasta is sure to taste wonderful. Once the pasta is al dente, add about 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: Do you want a new type of pasta with white sauce? Try this creamy cauliflower pasta

2. Pasta with red sauce

Another classic pasta with red sauce has a delicious spicy flavor. You can add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, along with 2 cloves of minced garlic and cheese to make the sauce for one cup. If you don’t have puree, you can use ketchup. But before adding it to the pasta, mix the ketchup with chili flakes, oregano, and other herbs to reduce its sweetness.

3. Pasta with pink sauce

Get the best of both worlds with pink sauce pasta. To do this, it is advisable to combine the sauce ingredients separately before adding them to the cup. you can do pink sauce combining tomato pasta sauce/puree, cream, garlic, cheese, olive oil and seasonings. Once well mixed, pour 2-3 tablespoons of sauce into the cup, stir and put it back in the microwave to cook.

4. Pesto pasta

_{Pesto sauce is a refreshing and tasty green sauce that can be used in many ways. Photo credit: iStock}

This option is for when you have extra free time. Pesto sauce is made by mixing basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, cheese and pine nuts (you can use almonds instead of walnuts). Why go through all this trouble, you might ask. Because you can use pesto in multiple ways. In addition to adding it to your cup of pasta, you can use it as a spread on slices of bread or even as a dip for French fries. Click here for the full pesto sauce recipe.
Also read: All about pesto sauce: the history of origin, variations of pesto sauce and its use

5. Garlic oil paste

If you’re using flat pasta like farfalle, you can even try making aglio olio in a cup. Penne and macaroni are not recommended because it is difficult for the ‘sauce’ to get into the hollow part of the pasta. to do the garlic oil sauce, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Heat this mixture for 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave before adding it to the bowl of pasta.
Also read: When pasta went desi: Hilarious thread reveals what Indians add to pasta

What are you waiting for? Try making cup pasta today! As we have shown you, it is very simple and rewarding! PS: Don’t forget to have a slice of garlic bread ready.