We’ve cracked the code on microwave meals that don’t taste like cardboard. This recipe delivers fork-twirlable pasta with juicy sausage chunks in under 10 minutes – no pots to scrub or chef skills required.
Got a mug, microwave, and a craving? You’re already 90% prepped. We use pre-cooked sausages to skip raw meat risks while keeping flavors bold enough to impress your inner food critic.
Below, we’ll share how to nail microwave pasta textures, adapt ingredients for dietary needs, and fix common nuking mishaps – all without leaving your breakroom.
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Lazy Microwave Pre-Cooked Sausage Pasta
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: DinnerCuisine: Italian2
5
minutes10
minutes350
kcal15
minutesFor those busy days when cooking feels like too much effort, this lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage pasta comes to the rescue. In just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty and delicious meal ready to enjoy, making it perfect for students, families, or anyone craving a quick fix.
Ingredients
pre-cooked pasta
sliced pre-cooked sausage
marinara sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
basil for garnish . optional
Directions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the pre-cooked pasta, sliced pre-cooked sausage, and marinara sauce.
- Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave cover.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, and stir the pasta again.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving, and garnish with fresh basil if desired..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also switch out the sausage for any protein of your choice. This dish is perfect for leftovers and can easily be doubled or halved based on your needs!
Can You Microwave Pre-cooked Sausages Safely?
We’ve zapped hundreds of pre-cooked sausages (for science!) and lived to tell the tale. The USDA confirms microwaving pre-cooked meats is safe when reheated to 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer – yes, even in your lazy meal – to check doneness.
Grandpa once nuked birthday party sausages so aggressively they turned into jerky. Avoid his fate by slicing sausages thin and covering the dish with a damp paper towel. This traps steam to prevent the “squeaky rubber” texture nobody ordered.
What Does Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Sausage Pasta Taste Like?
Imagine grandma’s Sunday gravy meets dorm-room innovation. Smoky sausage oils infuse the pasta while tomato paste creates depth without simmering. Microwaving at 80% power lets flavors mingle like they’ve been dating for months. This quick and easy method is similar to using lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage and canned diced tomatoes for a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Combining these ingredients can make for a delicious, hassle-free dish that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.
At my 10th birthday party, we accidentally invented this recipe when oven space ran out. The result? Al dente rigatoni with crispy-edged sausage coins swimming in a garlicky tomato cream sauce. Kids licked plates clean – parents demanded the “secret” recipe. This inventive spirit can also apply to some easy meals like lazy microwave canned spaghetti with garlic bread. It’s a quick and delicious option for busy nights or when you want something comforting without much effort.
Ready to meet your ingredients? Let’s talk smart substitutions for dietary needs and microwave quirks. Interestingly, some ingredients actually taste better when microwaved than baked, so knowing which ones to use can elevate your meals. For those curious, there are 9 specific foods that really shine in the microwave instead of the oven.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Sausage Pasta
Our recipe thrives on simplicity but rewards creativity. Swap any ingredient except the pasta and liquid – those are your microwave’s wingmen for even cooking. For a quick meal, consider the joy of making pesto pasta in a mug. With the right technique, you can have a delicious bowl of pesto pasta ready in just a few minutes using your microwave.
Essential Ingredients and Microwave-safe Substitutes
Grab ½ cup short pasta like rigatoni (our tube-shaped hero) and ¾ cup liquid – broth or water. Pre-cooked sausage (2 oz) is non-negotiable for food safety, but chicken apple or spicy Italian both work. Cooking with pre-cooked sausage can lead to easy meal solutions. One popular option is lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage canned soup, which combines all the flavors you love with minimal effort.
Need swaps? Gluten-free penne holds up better than spaghetti. Dairy-free? Skip cheese or use nutritional yeast. My college roommate once used almond milk + miso for creaminess – shockingly good! For a quick and easy dinner, you can also cook penne pasta in the microwave. It’s convenient and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient | Microwave-Safe Swap |
---|---|
Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk |
Fresh garlic | ¼ tsp garlic powder |
Mozzarella | Dairy-free shreds |
Also See: Microwave Chocolate Coconut Cake: Quick & Decadent!
How to Make Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Sausage Pasta
We’ve streamlined six steps for maximum laziness. Total active time: 4 minutes – perfect for Netflix-binging while “cooking.”
Step 1: Prepare Microwave-safe Pasta Base
Use a 4-cup glass bowl – plastic warps under heat. Combine ½ cup pasta + ¾ cup liquid. Add ¼ tsp salt to prevent blandness (trust us, we’ve cried over unsalted pasta). Cooking pasta in the microwave can be a quick and convenient option for busy days. Just remember to adjust the time and liquid for the type of pasta you choose to ensure perfect results.
Step 2: Add Pre-cooked Sausage Modifications
Slice sausages into ¼” coins – thicker cuts become hockey pucks. Toss them in raw with pasta. Pro tip: Brown edges happen when sausages sit above liquid – float them for crispiness! Cooking sausages in the microwave offers a quick and easy alternative to stovetop methods. It allows for even cooking while retaining moisture, providing a tasty addition to your dishes.
Step 3: Liquid Ratio Adjustments for Microwaving
Microwaves vary, so start with 1.5x liquid to pasta volume. Our formula: 1 cup pasta needs 1.5 cups liquid. Too dry? Add 2 tbsp water mid-cook. Soupy? Leave lid off last 30 seconds. This method works well for spaghetti and other pasta types, making it ideal for lazy microwave pre-cooked sausage pasta dishes.
Step 4: Layering Ingredients for Even Cooking
Cheese belongs under sauce to melt properly. Build like this:
- Pasta + liquid
- Sausage coins
- Shredded cheese
- Tomato paste dollops
Step 5: Microwave Timing and Power Settings
Cook 3 minutes at 100% power, then 5 minutes at 80%. Stir every 2 minutes – yes, we mean it! My cousin “forgot” once and created pasta cement. When reheating pasta in the microwave, it’s essential to stir often to ensure even heating and avoid clumping. Using a microwave can be a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftover pasta, but remember to add a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Step 6: Stirring Techniques for Creamy Texture
Fold from edges inward using a silicone spatula. 15 vigorous stirs release pasta starch for sauce thickness. Spot dry spots? Add 1 tsp butter or olive oil. This technique creates a smooth texture ideal for easy microwave pasta sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, microwave pasta sauce can elevate any simple meal.
Also See: Microwave Fudge Recipe: 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Sausage Pasta
This isn’t a drill – use vented containers or face exploded tomato splatter. We speak from traumatic experience.
Microwave-safe Containers for Refrigeration
Glass lock-top bowls prevent smells and warping. Portion single servings – reheating ½ cups prevents cold spots. Max fridge time: 3 days before sausages get funky.
Freezing Pre-cooked Sausage Pasta Meals
Freeze flat in silicone muffin cups for ¼-cup “pucks.” Microwave 3 frozen pucks + 1 tbsp water 2-3 minutes. Texture tip: Add fresh herbs after reheating.
Now that you’re a microwave pasta pro, let’s tackle those “oops” moments – because nobody deserves crunchy noodles or rubber sausages. A great way to elevate your instant noodles without much hassle is by adding some lazy microwave veggies. They’re quick to prepare and make for a deliciously nutritious meal in no time.
Now It’s Your Turn to Microwave Magic!
We’ve covered all the lazy chef hacks for transforming pre-cooked sausages and pasta into a microwave masterpiece. From perfect layering techniques to reviving dry noodles, you’re equipped to create this 5-minute comfort meal.
Grab those ingredients and let your microwave do the heavy lifting. Just remember our golden rule: always check sausage internal temps reach 165°F for food safety. Happy microwaving – we’d love to hear how your lazy pasta turns out!