This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta will be your new favorite dinner! I combined the spinach dip and all of its creamy goodness with cooked penne and chicken. Then I topped it all with mozzarella and baked into one delicious meal!
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Why You'll Love This Pasta
How about a creamy pasta topped with gooey cheese for dinner? What if we added spinach dip to the equation? I'll tell you what - your new favorite weeknight dinner! It's absolutely delicious and the whole family loves it!
This has been our favorite weeknight dinner. I make it on Tuesdays, our busiest time in the week when our girls have dance classes and we get back home late. I do all of the prep during the day. When we get home, I top it with cheese and bake while we make a salad and the dinner is ready in 15 minutes. Talk about a time-saver!
Ingredients:
- pasta - I used penne pasta but any bite-size pasta works.
- chicken - I recommend boneless skinless chicken breast.
- flour - Sprinkled over chicken, allows it to brown nicely.
- sour cream - The base for the sauce. You can use Greek yogurt instead.
- cream cheese - Makes the sauce and the overall dish, creamy and rich.
- milk - Necessary to thin out the sauce mixture. I actually prefer half and half for a richer flavor.
- spinach - You can use frozen or fresh spinach. Frozen needs to be thawed and squeezed out of excess moisture.
- Ranch mix - Just like in making a spinach dip, this seasoning mix gives it the signature flavor.
- cheese - I used freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping and it doesn't melt as well.
How to make spinach dip chicken pasta?
- Start by buttering a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook pasta, drain and keep warm.
- Dice chicken, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over chicken and toss to coat.
- Cook chicken until no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mix together sour cream, cream cheese, Ranch mix, half and half and spinach.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the spinach mixture and stir all together. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish.
- If serving right away, top the dish with cheese and bake for 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted. You can then turn the oven to broiler (on low setting) and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese bubbles up and gets golden brown spots.
Pasta dinner that tastes like your favorite dip!
Pasta dinners are one of our favorites for weeknights. They are so versatile and so easy to make. This one is inspired by my Hubby. One of his favorite dips is the spinach dip (I skip the artichokes but feel free to include them).
This dish is also great to take to neighbors that just had a baby, or friends that are sick. Everyone will love it! It's a hit with kids even though it has spinach. And that is a win!
Common questions:
You can use fresh or frozen spinach in this dish. I tried both and didn't notice much difference. Go with fresh is it's in season and frozen when you can't find it. Don't forget to thaw it before using in the recipe.
You can use 1 teaspoon of each dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder to substitute for the ready mix. I hope this helps!
You can freeze this casserole, but keep in mind that it has sour cream and cream cheese. They may turn a little grainy during freezing. Thaw the casserole, stir it well and then bake.
Absolutely! Any shortcut you can take, go for it! Already cooked chicken (diced or even shredded) works well. It saves you time because you can skip the first few steps.
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it sit in room temperature while the oven preheats. Do not place cold from the fridge casserole in the oven or your dish will break.
More pasta recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups uncooked penne rigate
- 2 chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 pkg dry Ranch mix
- 5 oz frozen spinach or 4 ounces of fresh
- 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Butter a 2 quart baking dish. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to the instructions on the packaging. Drain and keep warm.2 ½ cups uncooked penne rigate
- Dice chicken, season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over chicken and toss to coat.2 chicken breasts, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, mix together sour cream, cream cheese, Ranch mix, half and half and spinach.½ cup sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup half and half or whole milk, 1 pkg dry Ranch mix, 5 oz frozen spinach or 4 ounces of fresh
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the spinach mixture and stir all together. Transfer the mixture into the prepared dish.
- At this point, you can cover the dish with saran wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- If serving right away, top the dish with cheese and bake for 10 minutes at 375℉ oven. The cheese should be melted. You can then turn the oven to broiler (on low setting) and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese bubbles up and gets golden brown spots.1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Let stand in room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach in this dish. I tried both and didn’t notice much difference. Go with fresh is it’s in season and frozen when you can’t find it.
- I do not use table salt in this recipe. Kosher salt is less salty so keep that in mind.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
Mr. White says
We love it and have some picky eaters but everyone wants it at dinner and if there's leftovers, they are gone quickly too.
Holly says
I actually added a little bit of sugar to balance out the salt in the ranch seasoning. It helps.
Anna says
Thank you for making my recipe, Holly!
Ruth says
What van i use insead Ranch mix
Anna says
Hi Ruth! You can use 1 teaspoon of each dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder to substitute for the ready mix. I hope this helps!
Rosanna says
Am making this tonight....suggestions for a side dish to make ....Thanks everyone....
Anna says
Hi Rosanna! I highly recommend the Caesar Salad and my focaccia bread. Here is the salad: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/caesar-salad/ and here is the focaccia: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/one-hour-skillet-focaccia/ I hope you enjoy the pasta!
rosanna says
Mine came out pretty salty. Don't know what I did wrong. The dry ranch dip was 1oz...was that the right size?
Amy says
This was absolutely fantastic I wish not change a thing. Only difference I did was use chicken tenders. Amazing! Thank you for sharing.
Karen says
Looks great. I am looking for casseroles I can freeze for my son and daughter-in-law
with newborn. I saw a couple of people ask about freezing. but could not find an answer.
Can this receipe be frozen? If so, would you bake frozen or have to thaw completely first?
Anna says
Hi Karen! You can freeze this casserole, but keep in mind that it has sour cream and cream cheese. They may turn a little grainy during freezing. Thaw the casserole, stir it well and then bake. I hope this helps!
Kathy says
I've made this many times now. The only thing I change is that I cook my chicken breast in advance and add the cooked chicken to to the casserole. I usually have cooked chicken breasts on hand and it makes casseroles so much faster. This is a big hit with everyone I've delivered it to. Anytime I have to make a dinner for someone this is my go to recipe! Thanks for a delicious and easy casserole!
Caryn says
I made this yesterday with a few changes because of what I had on hand. I subbed one can of evaporated milk instead of half and half, plus added one container of sun-dried herb feta cheese and about a 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. It was delicious, and even better the next day as leftovers. Delicious!
Yolanda says
Can I use Tyson frozen diced chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Eva says
Love this combination of spinach chicken pasta.
I Had made that last night as you stated in this post. It was so delicious.
Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.
Barbara says
Hi Anna,
Thanks for the recipe. I'm going to try it tonight but have a couple of questions.
How much fresh spinach is "half a batch" and do I need to steam it before adding to the other ingredients? Thanks!
Barbara
Libbi V. says
This is such a hit when I'm craving comfort food! I also like to add artichokes to make it a *bit* healthier and I love spinach artichoke dip! Thanks for a great recipe to add to our rotation.
Dorothy says
Could I put this together the night before then top it with the cheese and bake it for lunch the next day? If so, should I let it get to room temperature before I bake it? Thank you!
Kim W. says
We love garlic in my home so I added a few gloves of crushed garlic. This made it much tastier. It’s definitely a repeat recipe.
Anna says
Perfect! I am always for more garlic. Thank you for trying my recipe, Kim!
buses4life says
Fantastic recipe! I'm a fan of spicy foods so I opted for spicy ranch mix instead of the traditional and I was not disappointed 🙂 Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!
Anna says
Thank you so much!
Tina says
I’ve made it three times for different family members, and it was a hit every time. Thanks for the great recipe!
Anna says
That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Tina!
Tracy says
My family loves this recipe and I have made it many times. I double the sour cream, cream cheese and ranch mix. I also add some cheese to the mix as well as on top. Grade A recipe!!
Anna says
Thank you so much, Tracy! I am so glad the pasta is a hit with you and your family!
Amy says
Recipe looks amazing. I would like to try . Where are all the measurements? Thank you in advance.
cctyger says
The measurements are included in the ingredients list in the actual recipe.
Nettie Lewis says
Hi, I’m not really fond of the flavor of Ranch Dressing - any idea for a substitute? Thanks -
* Even though I haven’t yet made this casserole it gets five stars for looks and the positive comments of those who have.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Nettie! You can completely skip it and use a mix of dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill. I hope this helps!
Sarah says
I found this recipe on Facebook, made it and shared with the neighbors. All 4 of us agreed that it makes an amazing dinner. I always prep ahead, and my husband puts it in the oven while I am at work!
C says
Anna, looks yummy and easy. How did you come up with calorie count? I entered recipe into myfitnesspal and got 558 calories for one of 4 servings.
Donna Palmer says
Absolutely delicious!!!
So good in fact that my husband and I had to make ourselves stop after our 2nd helping!
Super easy to make and truly delicious!!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Donna! Yay! That's fantastic! I am so happy to know you and your husband loved the dish. Thank you so much for letting me know!
Norma Howell says
Approximately how much is half of a batch of fresh spinach? 2 cups ?
Susan says
Yes, fresh spinach has no taste really, I use it in my fruit smoothies even. I don't like frozen or canned spinach, you can really taste the difference with fresh versus frozen.
dawn says
i don't see where it says to cut up the chicken. do you leave it whole breasts or dice up to mix
Alex says
Step 3 And 4 give you directions for the chicken. Dice and cook.
Margie says
This has got to be the BEST chicken casserole that I have made! We love it! Since we are big fans of spinach artichoke dip, I added artichokes to the recipe. This made it even better! Give it a try. You will be amazed!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Margie! Yay! That's wonderful! HANK YOU SO MUCH! I am so happy to know you love this pasta. I agree, artichokes are awesome in it too! 😀
Megan says
How did you add the artichokes?? Speaking as a new wife who has never tried to make artichokes before! 😬
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Megan! You can buy artichoke hearts in a can. Just drain and rinse before using in this recipe. Add when adding spinach. Hope this helps!
Erin says
Awesome recipe, I would suggest putting cheese inside the mix too, not just on top
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Totally agree, Erin! The more cheese, the better! 😀
Elizabeth says
Could I freeze this? Thaw when I'm ready to use and bake like 30 mins, top with cheese and cook 5-10 minutes longer until golden & melted?
Ruby says
Exactly what I was wondering. Did you try freezing it?
Stephanie says
I’ve made this dish and just love it. The next day it taste even better
Renee Kelly says
I've just found this recipe on Facebook, and while reading through the ingredients I'm questioning one of them: do you use ranch dip or dressing mix? There IS a difference.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Renee! I always use Hidden Valley The Original Ranch Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix. I hope this helps! Thank you!
Kat says
Just made this last night, Everyone loved it! Will be making it again soon 🙂
Lisa says
I loved the taste. It was a little dry the next day heated up so I think I will try to add a little more sauce part to it. It was delicious thank you for the recipe!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Lisa! I am so happy to know you loved it! Thank you for trying my recipe. 😀 Have a beautiful day! -Anna
Kelly says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe!!! It is a great base. I enhanced by adding sauteed red and green bell peppers plus 4 cloves of crushed garlic. Also added jack and cheddar cheeses to the mozarella. Next time, I will increase the spinach. Thanks again for such great inspiration.
Julia Kruz says
Definitely Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta – my new favorite dinner! I found your post from Pinterest ! Thanks for sharing, Anna!
Carol T says
This looks amazing. My favorite dip is Spinich dip. So I know it has to be good to add Chicken and pasta. And all that cheese. How could it not be fantastic. Looking so forward to it one night this week coming.
Excited.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Carol! Our favorite dip is spinach dip too! That's how we came up with this idea. 😀 I hope you love it! Let me know! -Anna
Bobbie says
I made this tonight and have a question. Should I have washed/rinsed the frozen spinach? My kids aren't too picky, but 3 of my 4 didn't love this dish and my 9 year old said the spinach ruined it for her. I ate after my kids and have to admit, the spinach flavor was stronger than I would've liked. I couldn't taste much of the ranch at all. Then I realized that maybe in my ignorance as a cook, I was supposed to have done something with the spinach beyond just thawing and tossing in. In theory, this recipe sounds like something my family should love. Would using fresh spinach help my problem?
Susan says
Yes, fresh spinach has no taste really, I use it in my fruit smoothies even. I don't like frozen or canned spinach, you can really taste the difference with fresh versus frozen.
Erica says
Does this meal freeze well? I'm trying to make a bunch of meals before my little man arrives in october.
Jen says
Made this last night - yummo! I used fresh baby spinach, greek yogurt for the sour cream, and leftover grilled chicken. I was worried the dish might be bland but that ranch packet didn't disappoint!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Jen! That's fantastic! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for letting me know! Have a beautiful weekend! 😀 -Anna
Penny says
Could you use ready made spinach dip in a pinch??
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Penny! Thank you for the question. I have not tried it with ready made dip but I think it should work. Let me know if you try it!
Melissa M. says
I made this tonight and my whole family loves it. I am definitely making this dish again!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Yay! I am so happy to know you and your family loves this dish! It's a family favorite here too! 😀 Thank you so much for trying the recipe and for letting me know, Melissa! Have a beautiful weekend! 😀
Jamie says
Just made this and my entire family loved it! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Jamie
Terri says
what size of casserole dish does this make?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Terri! The 13"x9" casserole dish is perfect. Hope this helps!
Colleen says
I just made this and both of my kids, 4 and 7, gave it two thumbs up! I made it with medium shells instead, just because they're more mouth size for them, but it was delicious!! Thanks for a great recipe!
Bethany says
I just made this dish, and it is SOOOOO good! And, my 2yr. old son loves it. Winning!!! Thanks for sharing this cheesy goodness:)
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Bethany! This is seriously the best compliment ever! I LOVE when kids approve of my recipes. Thank you so much for trying the pasta and for coming back to let me know you guys love it.!!
Cindy says
Oh my goodness! Just made this for our supper and I totally agree with Kelsey - hubby and I could've eaten the entire recipe ourselves! SOOO good! Will definitely be making this again and again and again!!! I used a 10 oz package of thawed/squeezed frozen spinach and it was just fine - not too much spinach. Also used the fat-free plain Greek yogurt and 1/2% milk to cut down on the fat content. Delicious!
kelsey says
I made this and it is seriously amazing. Probably the best thing I have ever made at home. My boyfriend was amazed and said it was like something you would expect to get at a restaurant. Embarrassing enough to admit between the two of us we ate the whole thing and then we're sad we didn't have leftovers. Not our proudest moment but it was SO good.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Kelsey! Haha! I love it! I am so glad that you tried the recipe. It is a huge favorite here and I totally get eating it all! It is crazy good! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for letting me know!
Jennifer B says
I'm probably the only silly one who isn't sure, since nobody else has asked, but is this calling for ranch dressing mix or ranch dip mix? 🙂 Thanks!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Jennifer! Not silly at all! You can use either, but the one I used and included in the recipe is a salad dressing mix. Hope this helps! Thanks!
Liz says
Hi Anna,
Love this meal. It looks divine. Just wondered if it was possible to freeze it and if so at what stage?
Thanks xxxx
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Liz! Yes, you can freeze this dish, just like you would with lasagna or any other pasta dish. Right after you place everything in the baking dish, let it cool to room temperature,then cover and freeze. You can top it with cheese before freezing or just before baking and serving. If you freeze it, let it stand in room temperature before baking. Let me know if you try it! I also posted a Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake that you might like! Thank you for stopping by and for the question!
LifesHiddenTreasure says
oh my goodness!!! My mouth is watering!!! This is going on the menu in the very near future 🙂
Kari says
Do you need to defrost the spinach before you mix it if using frozen?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Kari! Yes, you need to defrost it. Just follow the instructions on the box or simply submerge in warm water and then drain. Hope this helps!
Sarah W. says
If I'm using fresh spinach, do I need to saute it or wilt it down some how first? Thanks! Looks super good and want to use up some spinach. Was going to make spinach cheese dip but way not do this and make it dinner haha!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Sarah! No need to saute the spinach. It will cook during baking the dish. Let me know if you try it! Thank you!
Kate says
Omigosh, well that looks really good. I love the oozy melty stringy cheese!
Annie says
Man, this looks soooooooooooo good!!
Mara Fiskin says
Looks good. I think I will try kale,my husband can't eat spinach.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Hi Mara! I just made a kale version and it's fantastic! Hope you will give it a try!
Whitney says
This looks like comfort food to the extreme! Dang this looks great!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thanks, Whitney!
Concetta says
If you refrigerate it, how long do you bake it, when you are ready to use. Doesn't seem like 10 minutes would be enough to get it hot throughout.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
If refrigerated, it should be heated up for about 20 minutes or until you hear it bubble or sizzle and the cheese melts. Hope this helps! I will include this in the recipe. Thank you!
Mandy says
Can't stop staring at the cheese. OH my heck, I love this!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Haha! Thanks, Mandy!
elsellin says
This looks amazing!! Spinach dip is always good, so turning into a a delicious pasta dinner is brilliant!
AnniePie says
It's like you are inside my head!! I can't wait to try this!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
I knew you will love it, Annie! xoxo
everythingofcooking says
Yummmm! All my favorite ingredients are in this recipe!
Katerina says
Don't know where to start! I am IN LOVE with every layer!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thanks, Kate!
sharana says
Oh boy - this sounds sooo good!!
Courtney says
This sounds ridiculously awesome! I totally want to come over for pasta night at you house!
crazyforcrust says
Yes! This is totally fantastic. Pinned!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thank you so much, Dorothy!
crazyforcrust says
Holy cow, I'm in LOVE! This is fabulous. Pinned!
Jessica says
Spinach and artichoke dip is our favorite appetizer! Love that you turned it into a pasta bake!
Erine says
THAT CHEESE. This can't be anything but amazing!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thanks, Erin!
Taylor says
YES. So much yes. The cheese, the weeknight friendly, the chicken, the pasta! I want it all! Pinned!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Thank you, Taylor!