How to Microwave Tortellini

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//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Basics_Tortellini_1040_1_b6faa06a-6ece-4af1-98d0-6d77bdd01643_360x.webp?v=1722360725 Perfectly cooked tortellini made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing tender and flavorful pasta without the need to pre-boil the water. This method ensures evenly cooked tortellini, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
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Prep Time

1 min

Cook Time

3 mins

Free Time

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When we need weeknight dinner in a pinch, we turn to fresh-filled pasta 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 it 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 microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1 cup (3 oz/ 90g) tortellini

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1000w
1000w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • cup (3 oz/ 90g) tortellini
  • ½ cup (120ml) water

Preparation

  1. Add the tortellini and water to a Deep Dish.
  2. Cook uncovered in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
  3. Tortellini are done when the pasta appears shiny and almost translucent. Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time if needed.
  4. 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
*Includes preheat time

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 4-5 mins
3 cups (9oz/250g) tortellini 1 cup water 5-6 mins
4 cups (12oz/340g) tortellini 1 1/2 cups water 6-7 mins
5 cups (15 oz / 425g) tortellini 1 3/4 cups water 8-9 mins
6 cups (18 oz / 500g) tortellini 2 cups water 10-11 mins
Cook time calculated for 1000w microwave

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.

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