Who would’ve thought that the humble mug—often relegated to holding just coffee or tea—could become a culinary superhero? Just picture this: a cozy evening, your favorite TV show on, and a steaming mug of pasta that’s not only quick but also bursts with flavor. It’s like having a mini Italian feast right in your hands, without the fuss of pots and pans.
Steps
- Combine equal parts of elbow macaroni and water in a large, wide mug with about a 2-cup capacity. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Microwave the mixture for a total of 4 minutes, pausing every minute to stir and let the boiling water settle. Ensure the water is fully absorbed by the pasta, and extend cooking time by 30 seconds if needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, add milk and finely shredded cheese to the mug. Microwave for an additional minute until the cheese melts and the milk is absorbed.
- Stir the contents thoroughly to mix the melted cheese and milk with the pasta. Let the pasta cool for a couple of minutes before enjoying to avoid burns from the hot mug.
Ingredients
- ? cup uncooked elbow pasta
- Pinch of salt
- ? cup water
- ? cup whole or 2% milk
- ½ cup finely shredded cheese (pre-packaged)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Calcium: 377mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can you prepare pasta in a mug in advance?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make pasta in a mug ahead of time. Allow it to cool to room temperature, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave.
- Is it possible to create other pasta dishes using the mug method in the microwave?
- Absolutely! This method can be adapted for various pasta dishes. Simply cook the pasta with water first, then incorporate your preferred sauce, cheese, herbs, and toppings. For instance, you can even make lasagna in a mug using this technique.
- What is the recommended microwave time for pasta?
- The pasta should be microwaved in intervals to prevent burning or undercooking. Typically, macaroni noodles take about 4 minutes. This approach is a quick and efficient way to prepare pasta.
- What type of cheese is recommended for pasta in a mug?
- Pre-packaged finely shredded cheese is suggested due to its thickening agent, which helps in creating a non-runny sauce. However, if using freshly grated cheese, consider adding a pinch of cornstarch to achieve a similar consistency.
- How can I prevent the pasta from overflowing while microwaving?
- Use a large wide mug with about a 2-cup capacity. The wider and deeper the mug, the less likely it is to overflow during cooking.
Tips
- Opt for a large, wide mug with about a 2-cup capacity to reduce the risk of the contents overflowing when cooking in the microwave. This will help ensure even cooking and make stirring easier.
- Use pre-packaged finely shredded cheese, which contains a thickening agent, to achieve a creamy sauce. Alternatively, if using freshly grated cheese, add a pinch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Stir the pasta at one-minute intervals during the cooking process. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping and ensures even cooking throughout.
- Be cautious when handling the mug after microwaving, as it will be hot. Allow the pasta to cool for a couple of minutes before eating to avoid burns.
Equipment
- Large Wide Mug (about 2-cup capacity, microwave-safe)
- Microwave
