Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy, cheesy Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta is made with the famous frozen dip, tender chicken breast, and bowtie noodles, ready in just 20 minutes. The frozen dip block melts down into a rich, instant sauce that coats every bite without needing any heavy cream. I love how this simple hack tastes like a fancy restaurant meal with practically zero effort.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to make spinach artichoke pasta from scratch, but using the Trader Joe’s frozen dip is a total game changer for busy weeknights. The first time I tried this, I was worried the sauce would be too thick or gluey, but reserving a little starchy pasta water makes it the perfect glossy consistency. It honestly tastes just like the creamy pasta dishes you get at Italian chain restaurants for half the price.

My biggest lesson was to season the chicken well before cooking it, since the dip is rich but not overly salty on its own. Using the frozen dip as a starter base means you get all that melty Swiss and Parmesan flavor without having to grate cheese or make a roux. It is the ultimate shortcut that doesn’t taste like a shortcut.

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Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) or penne pasta
• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip (frozen)
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for color)
• 2 handfuls fresh spinach (optional for extra veggies)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

How To Make Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, carefully scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
2. Sear Chicken: While the pasta boils, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Melt Dip: Reduce the heat to low. Add the frozen block of Spinach & Artichoke Dip directly to the skillet with the chicken (or microwave it separately for 2 minutes to speed this up). Cover the pan for 3-4 minutes to let the dip soften and melt.
4. Combine and Serve: Uncover and stir the melting dip to create a sauce. Add the drained pasta, fresh spinach (if using), and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and coats the noodles, adding more water if needed to thin it out.

Recipe Tips

• Reserve that water: The frozen dip is quite thick once melted. The starchy pasta water is essential for thinning it into a silky sauce that actually clings to the noodles instead of clumping.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken simmers briefly in the sauce at the end, pull it off the heat or lower it significantly once it hits 165°F so it stays tender.
• Add freshness: This dish is very rich and cheesy. Adding halved cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end cuts through the heaviness and balances the flavors perfectly.

What To Serve With Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Since this pasta is rich and creamy, it pairs best with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cleanse the palate. Garlic bread is also a classic choice to scoop up any extra sauce left on the plate. For a lighter side, roasted asparagus or broccoli works well to add more greens to the meal.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the sauce will be thick, so add a splash of water or milk before microwaving to bring the creamy texture back. Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use the fresh dip instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use the fresh refrigerated tub of Spinach Artichoke Dip from Trader Joe’s. It will melt much faster, so just toss it in with the hot chicken and pasta until heated through.

Do I have to use chicken?
Not at all. This pasta is delicious as a vegetarian meal, or you can swap the chicken for shrimp or cooked Italian sausage if you prefer.

Is this spicy?
No, the standard dip is not spicy. If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the pasta.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Protein: 35g