Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake | Creamy Pasta Casserole Favorite

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, this Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake delivers comfort and ease in one satisfying dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients to create a casserole that’s creamy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of the ingredients, easy preparation steps, variations, tips, and answers to common questions about making a baked chicken casserole with sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake is a go-to for simple 30 minute meals that feel indulgent without taking hours in the kitchen.

• Easy to assemble and bake with minimal prep
• Kid-approved flavor with mild creamy sauce
• No complicated ingredients or techniques
• Reheats perfectly for lunches or meal prep
• Pairs well with salads, bread, or roasted vegetables

Whether you’re trying to impress guests or feed picky eaters, this creamy baked chicken casserole hits the mark. It combines a mild tang from the cream cheese, richness from the cream of chicken soup, and gooey cheese baked on top. This dinner can be ready from fridge to fork in under an hour, making it ideal for easy quick chicken breast dinners.

Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake Ingredients

Use fresh, colorful, and real ingredients to create a Pinterest-worthy result. These amounts make 6 hearty servings.

• 12 ounces ziti pasta – cooked al dente for the best texture
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast – rotisserie works great
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese – softened to room temperature
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup – creamy base
• ½ cup sour cream – adds tang and creaminess
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – builds savory flavor
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – boosts the sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – classic flavor combo
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for gooey top
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – nutty and savory
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – garnish for color
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

Optional additions:

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach – great for added veggies
• Pinch of red pepper flakes – for a mild kick

Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends easily. Pre-shredded cheese works, but shredding your own creates a creamier melt.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

Follow these simple steps for a smooth and bubbly oven chicken recipe that’s sure to satisfy.

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cream sauce
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Stir until fully smooth and heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Mix everything together
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cream sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Assemble in baking dish
   Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
5. Bake to perfection
   Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

This dish pairs well with simple sides like salad or garlic bread. For another cozy oven meal, try this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake that’s equally weeknight-worthy.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Baked Chicken Casserole

This casserole shines with sides that balance its richness and elevate the full plate.

• Serve with a chopped salad, Caesar salad, or roasted green beans
• Add garlic knots or a warm loaf of artisan bread
• Try steamed broccoli or oven-roasted carrots for a veggie side
• A fresh cucumber tomato salad adds brightness
• A splash of lemon juice over the top can brighten the flavor

Portion into meal prep containers for lunches or serve straight from the dish at the dinner table. This is a warm, hearty main that pairs well with crisp, cool, or crunchy accompaniments.

Easy Variations and Customizations for Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

This dish is adaptable, making it one of the best healthy meals with cream cheese you can personalize.

• Swap the pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta
• Use different proteins: Try cooked turkey breast or canned chicken
• Add vegetables: Stir in 1 cup cooked broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers
• Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or chili flakes
• Try different cheese: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Italian blends

If you’re craving a more rustic dish with homestyle flavor, check out Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

Proper storage keeps this dish tasty for days, making it one of the most reliable healthy cream of chicken recipes.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in foil-covered dish or airtight container for up to 3 months
• Reheating in oven: Bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20–25 minutes
• Reheating in microwave: Add a splash of broth or milk and heat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes

Always reheat until steaming hot throughout. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry pasta.

Pro Tips for Best Creamy Baked Chicken Casserole

Get the most out of this creamy baked chicken casserole by following these tried-and-true cooking tips.

• Use al dente pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds texture during baking
• Mix sauce ingredients off heat if cream cheese is soft: Prevents separation
• Grate your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better
• Cover with foil if browning too quickly: Protects top while insides heat
• Let it rest before serving: Helps everything set for clean scooping

Add this dish to your meal plan along with Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot, another crowd-pleasing creamy dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

Prevent dinner disasters by avoiding these simple mistakes when making this chicken recipe using cream of chicken.

• Overcooking the pasta: Mushy noodles won’t hold up in the bake
• Using low-fat cream cheese: Can result in grainy, separated sauce
• Skipping seasoning: Sauce needs garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to shine
• Baking too long uncovered: Can dry out the top and edges
• Adding uncooked vegetables: They can release water and make it soggy

Following the steps carefully will give you a reliable and creamy texture every time.

Creamy Baked Chicken Casserole Final Thoughts

Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake is the kind of comforting oven chicken recipe easy enough for a weekday and satisfying enough for guests. Its rich texture, quick prep, and pantry-friendly ingredients make it a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again. Keep this one bookmarked for when you want flavor, comfort, and simplicity all in one dish.

If you loved this easy dinner, pin it on Pinterest and share with a friend who needs a creamy chicken bake to make tonight.

FAQs about Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake

Can I use rotisserie chicken in Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut. Just shred 2 cups of the meat and mix it in with the sauce and pasta. It’s tender, well-seasoned, and saves time.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake?

If you’re out of cream cheese, try using ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt or ¾ cup of ricotta cheese. Both will offer a creamy texture, though the flavor may be slightly tangier or milder.

How do I keep Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake from drying out?

Make sure the pasta is not overcooked before baking and that the dish is not in the oven longer than 25 minutes. Cover with foil during the first 15 minutes to keep moisture in.

Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake before baking?

Yes, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temp, then bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Chicken Ziti Bake | Creamy Pasta Casserole Favorite

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Casserole