Description
Quick and comforting pesto pasta made right in your microwave-safe mug! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in just 5 minutes. This simple recipe uses pantry staples to create restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ingredients
1/2 to 3/4 cup short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Water (enough to cover pasta plus 1/4 inch)
1–2 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, extra olive oil
Instructions
1. Add pasta to a large microwave-safe mug
2. Pour in enough water to cover pasta, leaving 1/4 inch space at top
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until pasta is al dente
4. Carefully remove mug from microwave (it will be hot!)
5. Stir in pesto sauce until pasta is well coated
6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes
8. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your 5-minute comfort food
Notes
Cooking time may vary depending on microwave wattage – start with 1 minute and add time as needed
Use a large mug to prevent overflow during cooking
Pasta will continue to cook slightly from residual heat
Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in microwave with a splash of water if needed
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 8mg