Whether it's pizza, Thai takeout, or Thanksgiving dinner, leftovers are a welcome excuse to enjoy a delicious meal without having to cook something new. Unfortunately, some foods just don't return to their full glory once they're reheated. Pasta noodles are notorious for becoming sticky, clumpy messes after microwaving, and that means delicious leftover pasta often goes to waste. Here's how to reheat pasta correctly and rescue your favorite dishes.
The Microwave Method
Microwaves are great for reheating, and even cooking meals quickly and easily. In order to get fresh, hot pasta, put your noodles into a microwave-safe bowl, along with a tablespoon or two of water. You can also use olive oil to achieve the same effect. If your pasta has sauce on it, skip this step, since the sauce will do the trick.
Then, place a lid, plastic wrap, or a damp paper towel over the top of the bowl, leaving a small gap at one side for the steam to escape.
Microwave either on low power for a minute, or on high for 90 seconds, stirring the pasta at the end of each interval to evenly heat it. Keep heating until it reaches your desired temperature. Add your toppings, and enjoy!
The Oven Method
If you have the time, using an oven is also a great method for reheating pasta with sauce, and it allows for hands-free, if slower, method. Put your pasta into a shallow ovenproof dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until evenly warm.
#SpoonTip: If you want extra cheese (and who doesn't), add Parmesan or your favorite cheese over the top of the pasta during the last few minutes of baking. Who doesn't love a gooey, cheese-y topping to their favorite dish.
Leftover pasta doesn't have to be a wasted, clumpy mess. If reheated properly, you can satisfy your carb cravings whenever you wish, and preserve the delicious taste. Buon appetito!