(Almost) Homemade Dinners You Can Make in the Microwave

Healthier, No-Box Mac 'n' Cheese

You can cook pasta in the microwave, but since boiling shells or elbows in water takes less time, stick with the stovetop for that (make about 3/4 pound) and make the sauce in the microwave. Into a 2-quart glass bowl, pour a bag of leaf spinach and the contents of a 6-ounce container of spreadable Cheddar cheese like Alouette's new sharp Cheddar. Combine and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. When the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted, remove the bowl and toss the sauce with the drained, cooked pasta. Sprinkle toasted bread crumbs on top for crunch.