Description
This Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with a creamy, flavorful mixture of sour cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, spinach, and shredded chicken, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces penne rigate, cooked al dente
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup (230 g) sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup (122.5 g) milk
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of liquid
Protein
- 3 cups (420 g) cooked and shredded chicken breast
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare it for baking the pasta dish.
- Prepare the creamy base: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and dry ranch seasoning. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach and chicken: Stir in the thawed, drained spinach and the cooked shredded chicken, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently fold it into the mixture ensuring everything is well combined.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a finishing touch: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is nicely browned and slightly crispy on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheesy spinach dip chicken pasta warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the frozen spinach to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish before baking.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste, or use a homemade blend for a fresher flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
