How to Microwave Tortellini
When we need weeknight dinner in a pinch, we turn to fresh filled pastas like tortellini. These pastas are not only delicious, but they offer a spark of inspiration for when dinner fatigue strikes. Pair with vegetables, a quick sauce, or a simple protein like chicken or shrimp for a quick and easy meal. To cook tortellini in the microwave, simply cook it at full power in water (no stovetop boiling required) and toss with your favorite sauce. The fillings, packed with cheese or meat, add a good protein punch, making these dishes a hit for quick, all-in-one meals.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup (3 oz/ 90g) tortellini
- ½ cup (120ml) water
Preparation
- Add the tortellini and water to a Deep Dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
- Tortellini are done when the pasta appears shiny and almost translucent. Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time if needed.
- Toss with your favorite sauce, or enjoy as-is.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Cook with chicken or beef stock for a classic tortellini soup.
- Toss with tomato sauce, pesto, or Alfredo for a quick pasta dish.
- Mix with artichoke dip and bake for a quick casserole.
- Toss cooled tortellini with Italian dressing and chopped veggies for a quick pasta salad.
Recipe notes
- This recipe was tested with refrigerated tortellini. If you’d like to cook frozen tortellini, simply add 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- Any stuffed pasta such as ravioli, cappelletti, agnolotti, or mezzelune will work with this recipe.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Tortellini
See for yourself— microwaving tortellini is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 3-4 mins |
| Stovetop* | 15-20 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 20 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Tortellini
How long do tortellini take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (3 oz/ 90g) tortellini | 1/2 cup water | 3-4 mins |
| 2 cups (6oz/ 180g) tortellini | 3/4 cup water | 5-6 mins |
| 3 cups (9oz/250g) tortellini | 1 cup water | 6-7 mins |
| 4 cups (12oz/340g) tortellini | 1 1/2 cups water | 7-8 mins |
| 5 cups (15 oz / 425g) tortellini | 1 3/4 cups water | 10-11 mins |
| 6 cups (18 oz / 500g) tortellini | 2 cups water | 12-13 mins |
It typically takes about 3-5 minutes per cup of tortellini to cook in the microwave. To determine when the tortellini is cooked through, look for pasta that is plump and tender, yet still has a slight bite when tasted. Another method is to taste one; it should be tender but not mushy.
How to cook frozen tortellini in the microwave?
To cook frozen tortellini in the microwave, follow the same instructions as for refrigerated tortellini, but add an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Ensure they're fully submerged in water and check for tenderness before serving.
Why cook the tortellini uncovered?
Cooking pasta without the lid (uncovered) serves a few key purposes: First, it helps the past cook evenly and prevents it from becoming too mushy or sticking together. Second, it allows excess steam to escape, reducing the risk of spillover when the water is boiling.
Can you reheat cooked tortellini?
Yes, tortellini reheats beautifully! To reheat cooked tortellini, sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta or place a damp paper towel on top. Cook in the microwave (knob lifted) and reheat for 1-2 minutes per cup of pasta, or until heated through.
What makes microwaving tortellini faster than stovetop cooking?
Cooking tortellini in the microwave is much faster than stovetop cooking. Microwaving pasta eliminates the need to wait for water to boil, as required for stovetop cooking. Simply add all the ingredients at once, and you're done!
Can I cook other filled pastas like ravioli?
Yes, you can cook a variety of stuffed pastas in the microwave including ravioli, cappelletti, mezzelune, and agnolotti, to name a few.
