I remember the day my husband came home from work and announced that he had gotten a promotion. I was so happy for him! Not only was he going to be making more money, but he would also be getting more recognition at work. We celebrated that night with a delicious dinner of chicken Alfredo pasta bake. The best part was that it was so easy to make thanks to the microwave.
The chicken Alfredo pasta bake is the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s quick and easy to make, and it always tastes delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or chicken you might have. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
Ingredients Overview
Fettucine pasta
Fettuccine pasta is an integral part of the microwave chicken Alfredo pasta bake recipe. The long, flat noodles provide a sturdy base for the creamy sauce and tender chicken, while the pasta’s ribbons help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout each bite.
In addition, the fettuccine pasta holds up well to reheating, making this dish an ideal option for leftovers or quick weeknight dinners. While other pasta shapes might work in a pinch, their shorter lengths and smaller surface areas can result in a less satisfying meal.
Did you know that pasta has some surprising health benefits? Although it is often associated with unhealthy diets, pasta is actually a nutritious food that can be part of a healthy diet. Pasta is made from durum wheat, which is a type of whole grain.
Whole grains are packed with nutrients and have been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced risk of heart disease, and lower blood pressure. In addition, whole grains like durum wheat are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied after meals.
Water
Water is necessary to cook the fettuccine pasta. Make sure to use enough water to fully submerge the noodles.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy, flavorful option for many recipes, including microwave chicken Alfredo pasta bake. The oil helps to keep the chicken moist and adds delicious flavor to the dish. In addition, olive oil is a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. It can help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Overall, olive oil is an excellent choice for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Salt
Salt is used to season the pasta water and give the dish flavor. Be sure to add a few pinches of salt to the water before cooking the pasta.
Alfredo pasta sauce
This recipe won’t be called Alfredo pasta bake if there’s no Alfredo sauce. The sauce is what makes this dish creamy and flavorful. Be sure to use a high-quality Alfredo sauce for the best results.
Minced garlic
Garlic is a flavorful addition to any pasta dish, and it works especially well in the chicken Alfredo pasta bake recipe. The garlic helps to add flavor and depth to the creamy sauce, while its bold flavor pairs well with the tender chicken and pasta.
In addition, garlic has numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced cholesterol levels. So not only does this recipe taste great, but it’s also good for you!
Whole milk mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a staple in many Italian dishes, and it’s the perfect choice for chicken Alfredo pasta bake. The cheese helps to give the dish a rich, creamy texture, while its mild flavor pairs well with the bold flavors of the garlic and Alfredo sauce.
Moreover, mozzarella cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. So not only does it taste great, but it’s also good for you!
Cooked Chicken
This recipe calls for cooked chicken, so feel free to use any leftovers you might have. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken specifically for this dish. You can use any kind of cooked chicken, but I find that a simple store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Substitutions
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken Alfredo pasta bake, but you’re short on ingredients, don’t worry! You can easily make a few substitutions to the recipe to create a dish that’s just as tasty as the original.
For example, if you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use vegetable oil instead. If you don’t have fettuccine pasta, you can use tagliatelle or any other type of pasta.
And if you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can use cheddar cheese or another type of cheese. The possibilities are endless! So don’t let lack of ingredients stop you from enjoying this delicious chicken Alfredo pasta bake.
Now that you know all of the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!
Recipe
Yield: 8 servings
- 16 oz box Fettucine pasta
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A few pinches of salt
- 16 oz jar Alfredo pasta sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
Instructions
- Break the fettuccine noodles in half and add them to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add water, olive oil, and salt. Stir until the noodles are fully submerged.
- Microwave uncovered on high in 5-minute intervals, stirring in between until the pasta is cooked al dente. This should take around 20 to 25 minutes.
- Drain any excess water.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Alfredo sauce, garlic, and chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix until evenly coated.
- Add the mozzarella cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle some Mozzarella cheese on top and you’re done!
Storage instructions
Leftover microwave chicken Alfredo pasta bake can be kept in the fridge for three to five days, or in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, transfer the pasta to a shallow container, an airtight container, or a resealable heavy-duty freezer bag before placing it in the fridge or freezer. This will help to keep the pasta from drying out.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the pasta in the microwave for a minute or until it’s heated through. Keep in mind that you need to thaw frozen pasta before reheating it. The best way to do this is to place the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight.
If you want, you can also reheat the pasta in an oven. Simply preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pasta for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice during the cooking.
What to Serve with Microwave Chicken Alfred Pasta Bake
If you’re looking for some ideas on what to serve with your chicken Alfredo pasta bake, here are a few suggestions:
1. Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic accompaniment to chicken Alfredo pasta bake. They are hearty and filling, and they go well with the creamy sauce. If you’re feeling really lazy, you can even buy premade meatballs from the grocery store. Just throw them in the microwave with the pasta bake and voila! Dinner is served.
2. Salad
A salad is a great way to lighten up the dish and add some freshness. A simple green salad with some balsamic dressing would be perfect. Or, if you’re feeling fancier, you could make a Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Bread
Bread is always a good idea. It’s great for mopping up all that delicious sauce. Plus, it’s filling and satisfying. A nice crusty baguette would be perfect. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making your own garlic bread.
4. Bacon:
Because everything is better with bacon, right? This dish is no exception. The smoky flavor of bacon goes really well with chicken Alfredo pasta bake. Plus, it adds some extra protein and fat to help keep you full until your next meal.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious pasta bake, this chicken Alfredo recipe is perfect for you. The dish is packed with flavor, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cooked chicken you might have. So what are you waiting for? Try this chicken Alfredo pasta bake today!
