I am beginning to realize that I rely on many of the same methods when trying to come up with new and fun dishes for our family to eat.
For the most part, I just throw things together that I think will taste good. I’ve heard this called kitchen intuition recently and I really like that term. I know not everyone has that ability, but I firmly believe everybody could with just a little practice and a willingness to mess up every once in a while. Believe me, we’ve had our share of meals that went straight in the trash too.
Another thing I do, which has probably become noticeable on here, is to take restaurant favorites and make them my own. Or I also like to repurpose dishes and courses. Like this recipe – one of my favorite appetizer dips turned into a complete meal.
Spinach Artichoke Dip Casserole
- 1 lb. pasta, fully cooked and drained (I used small shells.)
- 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and cubed
- 1/2 bag frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 15 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1/3 c. sour cream
- 1 6 oz. bag shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 T. horseradish, optional
- 1/2 t. each salt, black pepper, garlic powder
- 1/4 t. each nutmeg and cayenne pepper
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1. Place all of the ingredients, except pasta, in a large bowl and stir until combined. Add pasta and toss to coat. Pour into a 13×9 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly. (For Stolen Moments style, simply cover the casserole dish with foil and refrigerate. Place in a preheated oven 30 minutes before dinner time.)
This post is being linked to:
- Hooked On… at Hooked On Houses
- Food On Fridays at Ann Kroeker’s
- Family Recipe Fridays at Vanderbilt Wife
- Recipe Swap at The Grocery Cart Challenge
- Friday Feasts at Mom Trends
- Foodie Friday at Designs By Gollum
The appetizer that inspired this dish is one of my favorites…and have you noticed how expensive it has become – $10! They keep raising the price again and again. This dish looks delicious, and a great way to sneak spinach into the diet!
A dip turned into a meal. Novel idea. When I was a bride I made biscuits, forgetting to use self rising flour. When I dumped the tray full of biscuits into the trash can they sounded like rocks!
I love that new term. I’ll claim it too!
This dish looks tasty and like something we would enjoy…well, some of us. I do have some snooty eaters in my house. sigh…
Becky K.
Hospitality Lane
This appetizer is a regular at all our family gatherings. I’m going to pass this recipe on to all, and will definitely be trying myself. Yum, thanks! Jane T.
Did I ever mention that you are BRILLIANT! I love your “kitchen intuition”. I think I have enough of your recipes bookmarked to get me through the next year of menus.
This looks super yummy! I love spinach artichoke dip and to make a meal out of it is just brilliant!!!
Yumm, that looks fabulous. I always order spinach artichoke dip when we go out. I never tire of it.
WOW! Yum! I am putting this on the list of things to make when my DH is out of town. He would hate it, but it looks like pure love to me.
I love spinach artichoke dip, so this recipe sounds like something I will definitely try.
This looks wonderful ~ I love spinach artichoke dip and in a casserole yum ~ : )
Yum! I want to eat this. Right. Now.
I will definitely be trying this! I love spinach and artichoke dip also, and having it as a dinner just sounds fabulous!
I love casserole recipes. This recipe sounds different and looks yummy. It;s a recipe I will need to try. THANKS!!! Geri
Hi — what a grand idea — turning the appetizer into the entree. This is a must-try! Thanks!
I’m having a Giveaway on my blog today, you are welcome to stop by and enter!
Best wishes… Cass
Oh wow, I love this twist on an old classic. Does using kitchen intuition qualify us as kitchen withches? I’ve been called much worse.
Happy Twirls
This is my favorite appetizer. How yummy as a pasta dish. I can’t wait to try it. I am always looking for new was to sauce pasta (another favorite).
I’m crazy about spinach dip so I’m sure that I would love this. How very creative!
That looks sooooooooo YUMMY!!! Must try!
I am going to try this it looks great.
If I had the ingredients for this we would be eating it for dinner tonight. Thanks for sharing your inventiveness, I love to innovate foods too.
Shari
Great idea. Sounds yummy!
Christi
Looks so good…I can’t wait to try the recipe. Thanks.
I hope to see you at Crock Pot Wednesdays at diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com this week. Mr. Linky is up and ready for you.
We LOVE the spinach dip at Kelsey’s! This idea is GREAT…yummy! Maybe I’ll make that tomorrow night. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! A way that I can get hubby to eat spinach
Brilliant! What’s not to love about this dish??!! Can’t wait to make it! Thanks!
Yum. I’m a little fearful of trying new things. I hate the thought of tossing stuff straight into the trash. I’d worry about how embarrassing and wasteful it is. But by worrying like that, I limit myself and don’t take culinary risks. Thanks for the reminder to experiment with my kitchen intuition. I made a mediocre soup a few weeks ago. It was edible, but not delicious. But I did think immediately after, “I’ll bet if I added some carrots and pumpkin, it would have a totally different flavor. Or I could add potatoes and corn for a chowder kind of effect…” So my “failure” did get my wheels turning.
I can taste it now… would make a nice afternoon snack right about now!
Smart, very smart. Spinach dip is also a fav. of mine. “Kitchen intuition”… I like that!
e-Mom @ Susannah’s Aprons
http://susannahsaprons.blogspot.com
LOVE this dip ! I was so happy that my family enjoyed it too. Anytime you can “sneak” a veggie or two is great with the little ones and adults !
I craved this a lot this pregnancy but was so happy to cure the crave without having to go to a restaurant.
I love your recipes and how easy you make everything. Thanks for all the help in the kitchen !!