Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Bake 🍗🍝🧀

If you love spinach dip and cheesy pasta bakes, this Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite comfort food! It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh spinach, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Let’s get cooking! 🍽️✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Tastes just like your favorite spinach dip but in pasta form!
✔️ Easy to Make: Just cook, mix, bake, and enjoy!
✔️ Great for Leftovers: Even better the next day!
✔️ Customizable: Add veggies, different cheeses, or a crunchy topping.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine the creamy, garlicky richness of spinach dip combined with perfectly baked pasta and juicy, shredded chicken. Every bite is cheesy, tangy, and comforting—a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake:

8 ounces penne pasta 🍝 (or any short pasta like rotini or rigatoni)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 🍗 (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 🥬 (or frozen, thawed and drained)
1 cup cream cheese, softened 🧀 (makes it extra creamy)
1/2 cup sour cream 🥛 (adds tang and smoothness)
1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥄 (for extra richness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄 (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder 🧅 (for added flavor)
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌿

For the Cheesy Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀 (melts beautifully)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (adds a salty, nutty bite)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️ (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️ (adds a smoky depth)
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes 🍅 (for a pop of sweetness)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 🍞 (for a crispy topping)

Tools You’ll Need

✔️ Large pot for pasta
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔️ Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests).
2️⃣ Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Spinach Dip Sauce

1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2️⃣ Stir in the chopped spinach and shredded chicken until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy spinach dip mixture.
3️⃣ Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
4️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
If you like an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce set).
Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil.

Dig in and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal! 🍽️✨

What to Serve with Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta

🥗 Garlic Butter Roasted Broccoli – A fresh, flavorful side.
🍞 Crispy Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
🍷 A Glass of Chardonnay or Iced Tea – Complements the creamy flavors beautifully!

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercook it before baking.
✔️ Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor!
✔️ Let It Rest: This helps the sauce thicken and prevents it from being runny.
✔️ Make It Extra Crispy: Add panko breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
✔️ For a Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo.

Variations & Fun Twists

🧀 Extra Cheesy: Add a handful of shredded cheddar or Gruyère for even more flavor.
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Version: Stir in crispy cooked bacon pieces for a smoky crunch.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
🥑 Avocado Creamy Twist: Stir in mashed avocado for a richer texture.

How to Store & Reheat

❄️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
🧊 Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing it in.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready!

3. Can I make this without chicken?
Yes! Just omit the chicken for a vegetarian version.

4. What’s the best pasta to use?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well!

5. How can I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of mayo/sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese.

Wrapping It Up 🍗🍝🧀

This Creamy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta Bake is cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—a true comfort food favorite! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious pasta creations! 😍✨

More Comforting Pasta Dishes to Try:

🍝 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
🧀 Cheesy Baked Ziti
🌿 Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite! 😊🍽️💛