Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken

If you’ve ever had spinach and artichoke dip, you know how irresistible it can be—creamy, cheesy, with that savory veggie goodness. Now, imagine all of those same flavors combined with pasta and juicy chicken for an incredibly satisfying dish that will knock your socks off. This Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken takes everything you love about the classic dip and turns it into a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken

This pasta dish isn’t just comfort food; it’s next-level comfort food. Here’s why it’s going to become your new favorite:

Versatile: You can serve it as a weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this dish is both affordable and full of flavor.

Quick and Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to put together, making it perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen.

Customizable: Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for shrimp or even a vegetarian version with extra spinach and artichokes!

Crowd-Pleasing: The cheesy, creamy sauce with tender pasta and juicy chicken is a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting pasta dish:

Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken is the perfect addition to this creamy pasta. It soaks up the flavor of the sauce while adding protein.

Pasta: Any pasta works here, but penne or rigatoni are great choices because the sauce clings to them perfectly.

Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a pop of color and an earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the dip-inspired sauce.

Artichoke Hearts: The heart of the dip! These add a slightly tangy flavor that complements the spinach and cheese beautifully.

Cream Cheese: This is the base for the creamy, indulgent sauce that makes this pasta irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, savory punch that brings all the flavors together.

Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that makes every bite feel like heaven.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.

Heavy Cream: To create that rich, luscious sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

Olive Oil: To sauté the chicken and garlic. You can also use butter for a richer flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this indulgent pasta dish:

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a minute, then slice it into thin strips.

Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the sauce.

Make the Sauce: Add the cream cheese to the pan and let it melt into the garlic. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream, spinach, artichokes, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is combined and the sauce is creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan, tossing everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, cheesy layer.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot. The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors is all yours to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550

(Note: Nutritional facts are estimates based on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Add some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a nice contrast to the creamy flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Feel free to use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
• If you want a little extra crunch, top the pasta with some toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
• For a richer flavor, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or add a bit of cream cheese to thicken it even more.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Just make sure they are fully cooked and sliced before adding to the pasta.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use extra spinach and artichokes for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but I recommend something with texture like penne or rigatoni to help hold the sauce.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just don’t add the cheese topping until you’re ready to bake.

6. Can I use light cream cheese or milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute light cream cheese or milk, but the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.

7. What can I substitute for artichokes?
If you’re not a fan of artichokes, you can leave them out or substitute with another veggie like mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

9. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! If you love cheese, add extra mozzarella or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist.

10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Just cook the pasta separately and combine everything at the end.

Conclusion

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta with Chicken is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

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