Description
Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add spinach, then stir in cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, mozzarella, and red pepper flakes until melted.
- Combine and Serve: Add chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Adjust consistency with pasta water, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Frozen spinach can be used—just thaw and drain well.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
