Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy comfort food, Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta will absolutely steal the show at dinnertime. This creamy, craveable pasta is a cross between everyone’s favorite party dip and a hearty, satisfying meal. Imagine tender chicken and pasta tossed in an ultra-luscious sauce loaded with ribbons of spinach and melty cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes family or guests secretly hope for leftovers, and it’s one recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta comes from simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create big flavors and bold textures. Each one plays a key role in achieving that irresistible creamy-cheesy bite, so don’t be tempted to skip anything!
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): This holds the rich sauce perfectly and makes every forkful delightfully hearty.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for sautéing the chicken and infusing everything with subtle richness.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound, boneless & skinless, diced): Tender, bite-sized pieces soak up all the flavor and protein.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a savory, mellow kick without the need to chop fresh garlic.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors and keeps the dish perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, or 1 cup frozen, thawed): Delivers nourishing greens and vibrant color; choose fresh for the brightest flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The velvety backbone of the sauce, making it ultra-creamy and rich.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives the sauce tang and lightens up the richness just a touch.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Intensifies the savory, cheesy punch in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully on top and creates those irresistible cheese pulls.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin and smooth the sauce so it coats every piece of chicken and pasta.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For anyone who loves a hint of heat in their creamy pastas!
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne or rotini according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside; don’t worry, it will finish absorbing all those incredible flavors later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir often, letting the chicken get golden and cooked through. Every juicy cube is about to become a flavor sponge for the sauce!
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Next, pile in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts right into the chicken. If you’re using thawed frozen spinach, just stir until heated through. This step adds a pop of color and a healthy twist that no one can resist.
Step 4: Create the Cheesy Dip Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and milk to the skillet. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until all the cheeses melt together. That dreamy, creamy sauce should look and smell like your favorite spinach dip—only better!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish
Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together so the sauce coats every nook and cranny. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, cover the pan, and wait just a minute or two for that stretchy, gooey cheese topping to melt. For a little zing, finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Let your Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta shine with a final flourish! A little chopped parsley or fresh basil sprinkled on top brightens up the creamy richness. You can also add a shower of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta needs only simple sides to complement without overwhelming. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast, while some warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta in individual ramekins for cozy dinner parties, or family-style in a big baking dish straight from the oven. Leftovers baked with extra cheese on top turn into a bubbly, golden casserole that tastes even better the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and satisfying meal anytime the craving strikes.
Freezing
Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta also freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (preferably before the final mozzarella melting step), then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to bring back its creamy texture. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella if you want that extra-melty topping effect.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! This shortcut is fantastic for busy nights—just shred about 2 to 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and toss it in after the spinach is added. It warms up quickly in the sauce and soaks up all the delicious flavors, no extra cooking required.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat cream cheese without sacrificing too much of that signature creaminess. Skipping the extra cheese topping or using part-skim mozzarella will also lighten things up a bit while keeping the flavor intact.
Can I make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
Just skip the chicken and double up on the spinach for a meat-free version! Adding sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or even roasted red peppers will bring extra texture and savoriness to the dish.
What other types of cheese would taste good here?
Cheddar adds a sharper bite, Gruyère is delightfully nutty, and Fontina melts beautifully. Feel free to experiment based on what you have in your fridge—this dish is delightfully forgiving with cheese swaps.
Can I make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta ahead for a party?
You sure can! Assemble everything except the final mozzarella topping, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on the mozzarella and bake at 350°F until bubbly and melted—your guests will be begging for seconds.
Final Thoughts
If there’s ever a dish destined to become your new go-to, it’s Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re pulling it together for a weeknight dinner or sharing at a potluck, the creamy, cheesy goodness always gets rave reviews. Give it a try and let it work its cozy magic in your kitchen—you’re going to love every bite!
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Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and creamy Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta that combines the richness of a classic spinach dip with tender chicken and pasta for a comforting one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Spinach Dip:
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook diced chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Prepare the spinach dip: Add spinach to the chicken, then mix in cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and milk until creamy.
- Combine: Stir in cooked pasta, top with mozzarella, and cover until melted. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made faster with rotisserie chicken. Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
