If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with ease, this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with creamy alfredo sauce and a luscious cream cheese-spiked pasta, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that effortlessly blends simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this recipe promises cozy vibes and hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but they each bring something essential to the table—from creamy texture to bold flavor and satisfying stretchiness. They’re easy to find and work in perfect harmony to build this delicious baked dish.
- 1 rotisserie chicken: Already cooked and full of flavor, it makes prep a breeze while keeping the chicken juicy.
- 2 (15-oz) jars alfredo sauce: Creamy and cheesy, the rich base that envelopes every strand of pasta.
- 12-oz spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and bakes up beautifully with cheese.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (softened): Adds extra creaminess and a mild tang to elevate the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings a warm, herbal note to the dish.
- 1 garlic clove: Gives a subtle kick of aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream: Helps the sauce stay silky and luscious after baking.
- ½ cup grated parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty depth and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, dreamy topping that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. While the oven warms, remove the skin from your rotisserie chicken and discard it to keep things lighter. Pull the chicken meat off the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. This tender chicken will be the hearty centerpiece of your alfredo bake.
Step 2: Cook and Flavor the Spaghetti
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just tender. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. While still warm, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic clove, and heavy cream. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts completely and the spaghetti is coated evenly in a silky, fragrant sauce base.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Alfredo Sauce, and Cheese
To the bowl of coated spaghetti, add the alfredo sauce, chopped rotisserie chicken, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly so that every pasta strand and chicken piece is blanketed in creamy, cheesy goodness. This combination is the heart of your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a deliciously melty layer. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. The aromas filling your kitchen will be irresistible—the perfect cue that your dish is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and bright herbaceous notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy richness. For an extra touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that wakes up your palate. Don’t forget an extra dusting of parmesan if you want to take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This baked chicken alfredo pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side dishes that balance its richness. Consider a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans sprinkled with toasted almonds. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus work well and add delightful texture and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a warm, inviting approach, or scoop individual portions into pretty pasta bowls to make every serving feel special. For casual gatherings, serve alongside fresh garlic bread or parmesan crusted dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Adding a glass of chilled white wine completes the experience perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save some for later. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm at 325ºF until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk if the casserole seems thick to bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times if needed and be sure the pasta holds sauce well for the best texture.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
No worries—cooked shredded chicken from your own roasting or even leftover chicken breast works just fine. The rotisserie version adds extra seasoning and juiciness, but you can replicate that with your favorite cooked chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, try using dairy-free cream cheese and alfredo sauce alternatives, as well as a plant-based mozzarella substitute. Flavor may vary slightly, but you’ll still enjoy a creamy and satisfying meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole fully and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold going into the oven.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of grated parmesan or a bit more cream cheese to the pasta mixture before baking. The sauce will thicken nicely and cling even better to the chicken and noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe is truly one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough to throw together on a busy evening yet special enough to impress guests or spoil your family. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your rotation because the creamy texture, cheesy layers, and tender chicken combine to create pure comfort food magic. Go ahead and make this delicious casserole—it’s sure to bring smiles and full hearts around your dinner table.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Alfredo is a comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole featuring tender rotisserie chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a cheesy baked spaghetti base. With a silky blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 rotisserie chicken
Spaghetti and Sauce Mixture
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
- 2 (15-oz) jars Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken and discard it. Pull the meat off the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces, setting aside for combining with the pasta.
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix creamy base: To the hot spaghetti, add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts completely and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Combine Alfredo and chicken: Add the Alfredo sauce, chopped rotisserie chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti mixture. Stir gently to evenly combine all ingredients together.
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread the creamy chicken Alfredo spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the mozzarella cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use freshly cooked chicken breast if you prefer not to use rotisserie chicken.
- For extra garlic flavor, add an additional minced garlic clove to the sauce mixture.
- To make the casserole ahead, assemble everything and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time by 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Feel free to sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for added color and freshness.
