This Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta is the kind of easy, creamy dinner that feels extra comforting on a long day. With chicken thighs, spinach dip, and pasta all coming together in the crockpot, it is mostly hands-off and simple to make. It is a cozy, flavorful meal that tastes rich and satisfying without needing a lot of effort.
Well, this recipe is one of the most adventurous creations I think I’ve shared on here (but of course it won’t be the last). When I’m experimenting with cooking, or creating recipes, of course they don’t always work out, or taste good. So those don’t end up getting shared anywhere… maybe someday I’ll share a blooper reel or something of all the recipes that failed, or I decided not to share in the end.
This one, however, I think is pretty good and worth sharing.
I had bought spinach dip from Costco, and of course like everything else there you get an insane amount. So I was staring at a full container in my fridge that was about to pass it’s best before date, and trying to think of what to do with it, when I decided to try to make a pasta crockpot recipe.
And it turns out it is delicious.
I hope you like it.
Make this Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta recipe when…
- you are craving something rich and creamy
- you want to make something that is fairly hands off
- you like spinach dip
Ingredient notes…
Here is what you’ll need to make this Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken recipe. Please be sure to check the recipe card for the exact ingredients and measurements.
- Chicken thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, especially in crockpot recipes because I feel they taste better and retain moisture better, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Chicken broth: Used to help add flavor, cook the chicken, and make a sauce. You can use a different type of broth like veggie broth, or beef broth if you prefer.
- Onion: Used to add flavor. Can omit if you want.
- Garlic: Used to add flavor. Can omit if you want.
- Garlic powder: Used to add flavor. Can omit if you want or use something different.
- Italian seasoning: Used to add flavor. Can omit if you want or use something different.
- Paprika: Used to add flavor. Can omit if you want or use something different.
- Spinach dip: The most important ingredient in this recipe. Used to give the dish flavor and create the sauce. You could always make homemade spinach dip if you want, but I used store bought.
- Heavy cream: To help make the sauce creamy. Can omit or use half and half or milk instead. Just be aware it may change the consistency and/or the flavor.
- Shredded cheese: To help thicken the sauce slightly, and add flavor. Can omit if you want. I used shredded mozzarella, but you can use any type that you prefer.
- Pasta: Use any type of pasta you prefer. I used cavatappi because it’s what I had on hand.
Equipment I swear by…
- A really good slow cooker
While the Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta cooks…
- go for a walk
- take a bubble bath
- do a hair mask or a face mask
How to make it…
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Add your chicken broth and chicken thighs to the crockpot. Add the seasonings as well as your onion and garlic.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4. Shred or cut your chicken, and return to the crockpot.
- Add your heavy cream, shredded cheese, and spinach dip and mix well. While this is heating up in the crockpot, boil your pasta separately until al dente, drain, and then add to the crockpot and mix.
- Let it cool down a bit to thicken and serve.
My tips and tricks to make this Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta recipe…
Higher protein: Add more chicken, and/or use protein pasta.
Lower carb/keto: Use low carb pasta, or something like cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken, or use a meat free replacement.
Storage notes:
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. It will slightly thicken as it sits so you may need to add a bit of heavy cream or chicken broth if you wish.
Freeze: I have not tried to freeze this dish. Typically dairy and pasta does not freeze and reheat well. You could try freezing without adding the pasta, and just add the pasta fresh when you are reheating it from frozen, however it might be runny and watery and the sauce may separate. If you try it, let me know in the comments below.
Are you struggling right now?
- Use jarred garlic, to save on mincing fresh garlic, or even use more garlic powder instead.
- This recipe is already pretty simple, but you could use like a fresh pasta like ravioli or tortellini so that you don’t have to boil pasta, just add it to the crockpot and mix well and let it warm up.
Thank you for stopping by Comfort In a Bowl. If you have any questions, or made any additions/shortcuts that you think other people may love feel free to comment below. If you create this recipe or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to share, comment and rate the recipe! Take care of yourself.
Crockpot Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 6-8 Chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 tbsp Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 container Spinach dip Around 2 cups
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Shredded cheese I used mozzarella
- 4 cups Pasta I used cavatappi
Instructions
- Add your chicken broth and chicken thighs to the crockpot. Add the seasonings as well as your onion and garlic.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4. Shred or cut your chicken, and return to the crockpot.
- Add your heavy cream, shredded cheese, and spinach dip and mix well. While this is heating up in the crockpot, boil your pasta separately until al dente, drain, and then add to the crockpot and mix.
- Let it cool down a bit to thicken and serve.
Notes
More Crockpot recipes…
My burnout situation…
I think there are a lot of wounds that I didn’t really realize I had until I was put on medical leave from my career.
I thought I was just overworked, and exhausted and needed some time to rest… but it’s so much more than that.
There is a lot of stuff that I have been put through, that have been done to me, and my coworkers, that I didn’t even realize was harmful until my therapist has been pointing things out and making connections.
Like of course my mental health is as bad as it is.
Of course my physical health is as bad as it is.
My therapist was shocked that I had been functioning as long as I had been, and I guess when she puts it that way and when I reflect on everything so am I.
So I let it sink in for a moment… I let myself spiral for a few days.
But now I am using it to remind myself of how strong and resilient I am.
Like if I have made it through all the things that I have in this life, I can literally make it through anything.
Conclusion…
If you are reading this I just want to remind you that you are stronger than you know.
Even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Take care of yourself.
-Caitlin
