Description
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses to coat your favorite pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Pasta
- 300g (about 10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Spinach Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it now and stir for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Add the Creamy Ingredients: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the spinach. Then add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well blended.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the cheesy spinach sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, cheesy spinach dip chicken pasta!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and reduce the amount of cheese.
- If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a nice tangy depth to the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed—a little starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh parsley for the best flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
