Description
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet homey. The sauce is enriched with garlic and Dijon mustard for a subtle kick, coating perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 300g (about 10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Cheesy Spinach Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Spinach Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes; if using frozen spinach, add and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan, mozzarella, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the cheesy spinach sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until pasta is thoroughly coated. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it is too thick.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy cheesy chicken spinach pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is not available; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water.
- Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or fettuccine, for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
