If you’re craving a dish that wraps up all the comfort and creamy goodness of your favorite appetizer into a hearty dinner, this Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and coated in a luscious, cheesy spinach dip sauce that feels indulgent yet incredibly satisfying. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s so simple to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. Each one plays a crucial role in building the creamy, cheesy texture and that fresh pop of spinach to brighten every bite.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every twist and turn.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds a silky finish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, providing tender protein that soaks up the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Lends a fragrant warmth to the base of the sauce.
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a vibrant color and a touch of earthiness that brightens the dish.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy heart of the sauce that makes every bite irresistibly rich.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and adds to the silky texture.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Boosts creaminess while helping to bind all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy factor we all love.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to awaken the palate without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce to perfect creaminess without diluting flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, green finishing touch that adds brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Cook it until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a little bite. This texture is vital because the pasta will absorb the creamy sauce and remain pleasantly chewy, not mushy. Make sure to drain but don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s the secret weapon for smoothing out your sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until each piece is golden brown and cooked through, about six to seven minutes. This step locks in flavor and creates a lovely texture contrast with the creamy pasta. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen. Then toss in your roughly chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, soft and fragrant, which takes around two minutes. This quick step livens up the sauce with fresh, green goodness.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, and if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until everything melts together into one smooth, luscious sauce. This rich mixture is exactly what makes this Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together evenly to coat the pasta and chicken with that rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the ideal creamy consistency that clings lovingly to every bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve this dish warm straight from the pan to the plate for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a little extra grated Parmesan enhances the dish’s color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a zest of lemon over the top adds a surprising bright note that complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Garlic bread is a classic companion that helps scoop up every last bit of that divine sauce—always a win!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella, then broil briefly for a golden, bubbly finish. It makes for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or date nights at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe stays delicious for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead dinner or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy it later, this pasta freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and pop it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to revive the creamy sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently until heated through and enjoy just like fresh!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet. This helps keep the sauce from becoming watery and maintains that perfect creamy texture.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can experiment with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a lighter twist, but cream cheese really is key to that signature creamy richness in this Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to keep it hearty and satisfying without the meat.
How spicy is the crushed red pepper flakes addition?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth to the dish—nothing overwhelming. It’s completely optional and can be left out if you prefer no heat.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because its hollow shape catches the creamy sauce perfectly, but rigatoni or fusilli would also work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together convenience and flavor without a fuss. It’s that perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly and easily. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again for friends, family, or just those cozy nights in.
Print
Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cheese sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, it features a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and mozzarella, delivering a deliciously indulgent meal with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Quick to prepare and cooked entirely on the stovetop, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy and Sauces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Produce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set both aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted.
- Make the cheese sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and melted together.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta warm.
Notes
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation option.
- Frozen spinach can be used—just thaw and drain it well before cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of nutmeg to the sauce.
