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
Scale
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.
