If you are craving a comforting, rich, and incredibly flavorful dish, this Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a creamy spinach dip sauce all wrapped together with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of Ranch seasoning creates a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, making this dish irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or wanting to impress friends, this recipe brings warmth and cheesy goodness to the plate in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a deliciously creamy and hearty dish. Each component is important, from the tender chicken that adds protein and texture, to the spinach that brings a pop of color and a slight earthy flavor, balancing out the richness beautifully.

2 ½ cups uncooked penne rigate: This ridged pasta holds the sauce perfectly for maximum flavor on every forkful.
2 chicken breasts: Dice them small for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors subtly without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of warmth and depth to the chicken seasoning.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps lightly coat the chicken for a nice texture and to slightly thicken the sauce.
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tangy creaminess that makes the sauce rich but balanced.
4 oz cream cheese (softened): The secret to that silky, smooth texture everyone loves in cheesy spinach dip.
¼ cup half and half or whole milk: Loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating pasta.
1 package dry Ranch mix: Brings herbs and a punch of savory flavor to the sauce without extra fuss.
5 oz frozen spinach or 4 ounces fresh: Adds freshness, color, and a slight earthiness to balance the cheese.
1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The crowning glory that melts beautifully over the pasta for that irresistible golden topping.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta

Start by buttering a 2-quart baking dish which will keep the pasta from sticking as it bakes. Next, cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and keep it warm; this ensures the pasta integrates perfectly with the sauce without getting mushy.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss them lightly with the all-purpose flour to coat evenly — this step adds a subtle crust to the chicken and helps thicken your creamy sauce later. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken pieces until they’re no longer pink, locking in juices and flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Spinach Dip Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, dry Ranch mix, and half and half or milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Then fold in your spinach, either thawed frozen or fresh, which adds a lovely green vibrancy and a boost of nutrients to this indulgent dish.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add your warm cooked pasta and the seared chicken to the spinach mixture. Stir everything gently to coat every piece with that rich, velvety sauce. Once combined, transfer this glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

If you’re not serving immediately, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready. When it’s time to serve, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated 375℉ oven for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through. For a gorgeous golden finish, switch your oven to the broiler on a low setting and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

After removing from the oven, let your Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce settle, making every bite smooth and flavorful rather than runny.

How to Serve Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your dish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and a delicate herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy base. A few red pepper flakes can also add a touch of exciting heat without overpowering the dish’s comforting flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs just as nicely with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the baking dish, inviting your guests to dive in. Alternatively, portion it out into individual ramekins and broil the cheese on top for a personalized, cheesy crust. For a fun twist, scoop servings into hollowed mini bell peppers or tomato cups for a creative presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day lunch or dinner that you can quickly reheat for convenience.

Freezing

This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes quite well. Pack leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Reheating

For the best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm gently in the oven at 350℉ until hot and bubbly or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to reheat evenly. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creamy texture after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh spinach works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to chop it finely and sauté it briefly or steam it before mixing it into the sauce to remove excess moisture.

What’s the best substitute for cream cheese if I’m lactose intolerant?

Try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from almond or cashew bases. Alternatively, blending silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice and salt can mimic cream cheese texture and tang.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the chicken altogether or substitute it with a plant-based chicken alternative or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduce the amount of cheese, and opt for low-fat milk instead of half and half. These swaps lighten the dish but keep it creamy and flavorful.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the penne rigate for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken. Just be sure your Ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe is like giving yourself a delicious hug at the end of the day. It’s creamy, comforting, and hits every note of a home-cooked favorite while being quick and simple enough to whip up any night of the week. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do eating it, and that it becomes a go-to dish for your family and friends to enjoy together.

Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish combining tender chicken, spinach, and a tangy ranch-flavored cheese sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and serves four generously.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

2 ½ cups uncooked penne rigate
2 chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Sauce and Toppings

½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup half and half or whole milk
1 package dry Ranch mix
5 oz frozen spinach or 4 ounces fresh spinach
1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish: Butter a 2-quart baking dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
Cook Pasta: Boil the penne rigate according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and keep it warm.
Season and Dredge Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), softened cream cheese, dry Ranch mix, half and half (or whole milk), and the frozen or fresh spinach. Stir well until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces to the spinach mixture. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
Assemble: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Optional Refrigeration: At this point, you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
Bake: If serving immediately, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated 375℉ (190℃) oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Broil for Golden Cheese: For a browned, bubbly topping, switch the oven to the broiler on a low setting and broil the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown spots appear on the melted cheese. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Rest Before Serving: Let the baked pasta stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier taste and added protein.
Use fresh spinach if available; just sauté slightly before mixing if it contains a lot of moisture.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and half and half.
Cover and refrigerate assembled casserole up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.
Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American