Who knew a pasta dish could be a rollercoaster of flavors? This Ultimate Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is like a party in your mouth—think of it as the culinary equivalent of a surprise snow day, where every bite just screams comfort and indulgence. I stumbled upon this creation one chilly evening, when all I wanted was a warm hug in a bowl, and let me tell you, it delivered like a favorite old song on the radio.
Steps
- Begin by buttering a 2-quart baking dish and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it and keep it warm until needed.
- Dice the chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper, and coat them with flour by tossing.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken pieces until they are no longer pink inside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, Ranch mix, half and half, and spinach to form a creamy mixture.
- Mix the cooked pasta and chicken into the spinach mixture, stirring until everything is well combined, then transfer it into the prepared baking dish.
- If you plan to serve it immediately, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Optionally, switch the oven to the broiler on a low setting and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and has golden brown spots.
- Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 package dry Ranch seasoning mix
- 5 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or 4 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1044 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 348mg | Sodium: 920mg | Potassium: 1720mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 19140IU | Vitamin C: 11.6mg | Calcium: 496mg | Iron: 4.8mg
FAQ
- What type of spinach is suitable for this recipe?
- You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this dish. If fresh spinach is in season, it’s a great choice, but frozen spinach works well when fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to thaw frozen spinach before using it in the recipe.
- What can I use instead of a Ranch mix?
- If you don’t have a Ranch mix, you can substitute it by using a combination of 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Can this pasta dish be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze this casserole. However, be aware that the sour cream and cream cheese in it might become a bit grainy after freezing. Thaw the dish, give it a good stir, and then bake as directed.
- Is it possible to use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, either diced or shredded, is a convenient shortcut. It saves time as you can skip the initial steps of cooking the chicken.
- Can I prepare this pasta dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Combine all the ingredients in a casserole dish and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, and avoid placing a cold casserole dish directly into the oven to prevent it from cracking.
Tips
- Use Fresh Cheese for Better Melting: Opt for freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that hinder smooth melting.
- Prep in Advance for Busy Days: If you have a hectic schedule, prepare the pasta dish earlier in the day and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply top with cheese and bake, making dinner time efficient and stress-free.
- Ensure Proper Spinach Preparation: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery dish. Fresh spinach is also a great option when in season.
- Customize with Seasoning Alternatives: If you don’t have a Ranch mix, you can create a similar flavor by using a blend of dried dill, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Equipment
- 2-quart baking dish – If you don’t already have a baking dish of this size, it might be necessary for this recipe.
- Large mixing bowl – A large mixing bowl is needed to mix the ingredients together.
- Large skillet – Essential for cooking the chicken.
- Broiler-safe pan or oven – If your current bakeware or oven setup isn’t broiler-safe, you might need something that is.
- Olive oil spray or brush – If you don’t have a method to apply olive oil, you might need a spray bottle or a brush.
