Pasta cooking times
How long to cook pasta: 8–12 min boiled, 25–30 min in the oven at 190°C (170°C fan), 10–12 min in the microwave and 4–5 min in a pressure cooker. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook pasta
Times are for 75–100 g dry pasta per person.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Dried | 8–12 min | in plenty of boiling salted water | Dried pasta; check the pack. Spaghetti about 10, penne 10–12, macaroni 8. |
| Boil Fresh | 2–4 min | in plenty of boiling salted water | Fresh pasta and filled pasta like ravioli. Gnocchi is done when it floats, about 2 minutes. |
| Oven Baked | 25–30 min | 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5 | A baked pasta or lasagne of cooked or fresh pasta, until bubbling; a lasagne with dried sheets takes 40–45 minutes. |
| Microwave Dried | 10–12 min | on full power | Dried pasta covered with boiling water in a large bowl, stirring halfway. |
| Pressure cooker Dried | 4–5 min | on high pressure | Half the time on the pack, with just enough liquid to cover; quick release. |
Before you start
Use a big pan of boiling water with a good tablespoon of salt per 4 litres. Start timing when the water comes back to the boil.
How to tell it’s done
Al dente: tender with a little bite in the middle. Start tasting a minute before the time on the pack.
Questions
How long to boil pasta?
Dried: 8–12 min in plenty of boiling salted water. Dried pasta; check the pack. Spaghetti about 10, penne 10–12, macaroni 8. Fresh: 2–4 min in plenty of boiling salted water. Fresh pasta and filled pasta like ravioli. Gnocchi is done when it floats, about 2 minutes.
How long to cook pasta in the oven?
Baked: 25–30 min at 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, gas 5. A baked pasta or lasagne of cooked or fresh pasta, until bubbling; a lasagne with dried sheets takes 40–45 minutes.
How long to microwave pasta?
Dried: 10–12 min on full power. Dried pasta covered with boiling water in a large bowl, stirring halfway.
How long to cook pasta in a pressure cooker?
Dried: 4–5 min on high pressure. Half the time on the pack, with just enough liquid to cover; quick release.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.