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Cheesy Spinach Dip Baked Penne

Cheesy Spinach Dip Baked Penne is a delicious combination of creamy spinach dip and baked pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base
  • 12 oz Penne Pasta Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Neufchâtel is a great lower-fat alternative.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt works if you prefer a healthier option.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Mozerella and Parmesan) Any melty cheese like Cheddar or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
Vegetables
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach You can also use frozen spinach—thaw and drain well.
  • 1 medium Onion Red onion gives a nice touch, but yellow or sweet onions are fine.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are best for flavor.
Seasonings and Oils
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper For seasoning.
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Add to adjust heat level.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted; if using frozen spinach, ensure it's well-drained before adding.
Mixing and Baking
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Mix in half of the shredded cheeses until melted.
  2. Season the mixture with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add the cooked penne to the cheese mixture, stirring until well-coated.
  4. Pour the cheesy pasta into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
  6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  7. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the cheese mixture and pasta a day in advance. Don't overcook the pasta; al dente is key. You can add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier dish.