If you’re craving something utterly comforting, packed with gooey cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, then you’re going to adore this Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s like your favorite spinach dip got cozy with a heaping bowl of pasta, resulting in a dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with bright flavors. This recipe takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is simple enough to whip up without fuss. Every bite delivers that dreamy mix of melty cheese, juicy chicken, and fresh spinach that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture in your Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a role, from the tender chicken seasoned just right to the gooey combination of cheeses that bring it all together.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: Choose your favorite short pasta to trap that creamy sauce deliciously in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note and helping to crisp up the meat.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly, providing hearty protein.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean herb flavors.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a punch of savory depth that complements fresh garlic beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and highlights the savory notes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and aromatic, it brightens up the sauce and chicken.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild earthiness to balance the richness.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: The star that makes the sauce delectably creamy and luscious.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tangy richness and silkiness to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that deepens every bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that irresistibly stretchy, bubbly texture.
- ½ cup milk: Helps loosen the sauce to just the right consistency for coating the pasta beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick if you like a little extra heat.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step is crucial because you want the pasta to hold up nicely when tossed in the rich sauce later. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside – no rinsing here, as you want that starchiness to help the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for fantastic foundational flavor. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and golden on the outside. This step creates a flavorful base that’s juicy and tender inside, ready to soak up the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spinach
Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped spinach. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down and the garlic has softened. This brightens the dish and adds that lovely fresh crunch of greens, balancing the creamy richness that’s coming next.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, letting it melt until smooth and luscious. Then add the sour cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and milk, stirring gently but thoroughly until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and perfectly combined. If you want a little extra heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes now. The sauce is where all the magic comes together – rich, cheesy, tangy, and comforting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with your luscious sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with that irresistible creamy sauce. This final step ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor, gooey cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach in equal harmony.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Adding a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or basil not only brings a fresh herbal note but also makes the dish pop with color. A quick crack of black pepper over it can add a little snappy bite to round out the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots add delightful texture and subtle sweetness. For bread lovers, crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is a fantastic companion to mop up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a sprig of fresh herb. Alternatively, bake the mixture briefly in a casserole dish topped with more mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust. For a fun twist, stuff the pasta mixture into bell peppers or tomatoes and bake for a colorful presentation that will wow the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate the sauce.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and reheating result.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent drying out. This way, your Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe stays creamy and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain it very well to avoid excess water in your sauce, which could make it runny. Fresh spinach just gives a brighter color and texture, but frozen works fine in a pinch.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a substitute, try mascarpone or a combination of ricotta and a bit of cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that cream cheese gives a slight tang that these alternatives may lack.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully. Just portion it into containers and enjoy quick, comforting meals throughout the week.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when making the sauce. You could also include some chopped jalapeños with the chicken for extra heat.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne and rotini are recommended because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce exceptionally well. However, feel free to use other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a gem that brings comfort, ease, and incredible flavor all in one bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive yet simple meal for friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. You deserve all the cheesy, creamy goodness it offers!
Print
Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Dairy
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and fragrant.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the mixture. Add the sour cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and milk. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and well combined. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy spinach chicken sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers.
