Showing posts with label alouette cheese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alouette cheese. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter Pan Sauce


Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter Pan Sauce is an easy yet impressive dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy spinach artichoke cheese and finished with a simple garlic butter pan sauce. Perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or special occasions.




Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter Pan Sauce


When I first shared my roundup post, 5 Delicious Ways I'm Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese (Beyond the Dip Bowl), this stuffed chicken was one of the recipes readers seemed most excited to see.

Today, I'm finally sharing it as the third recipe in the series.

I know you may think that stuffed chicken can sound like the kind of dinner reserved for company or special occasions, but it's so easy to make and tastes wonderful, you could easily make this on a weeknight. The spinach artichoke spread does most of the work, creating a creamy, flavorful filling without requiring a long list of ingredients or extra prep work.

It's as easy and stuffing, searing the outside and then a quick bake to finish cooking, and the filling becomes warm and creamy.  Finish everything with a simple garlic butter pan sauce, and suddenly an ordinary chicken dinner feels like something you might order at a cozy neighborhood bistro.

This dish is actually one of my favorites.  The flavors just compliment each other so well.  And don't skip the pan sauce, it's light and just the right amount of garlic to tie the flavors from the cheese together.   Pair it with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or your favorite side dish, and dinner is done.

If you've been following along with this series, this recipe continues exactly what I hoped to show from the beginning: how one container of spinach artichoke cheese spread can become so much more than a dip.

Enjoy!













-- Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • Chicken breasts
  • Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Spread - The creamy filling that transforms ordinary chicken into something special.
  • Olive Oil
  • Seasoning:  Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder

Garlic Butter Pan Sauce

  • Butter
  • Garlic Clove
  • Chicken Broth
  • Black Pepper
  • Cornstarch


-- Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Small saucepan or skillet (if needed)
  • Small bowl for slurry
  • Measuring spoons
  • Instant-read thermometer

My Go-To's

Hard-Anodized Nonstick Skillet - It provides even heat, develops a beautiful golden sear on the chicken, and makes cleanup much easier. For recipes like this one, it's perfect for building flavor in the pan before transferring everything to the oven.

Sheet Pan - After searing, the chicken finishes cooking on a sheet pan while the sauce comes together on the stovetop. 

Instant-Read Thermometer - The easiest way to ensure perfectly juicy chicken every time.

Sharp Chef's Knife - Makes cutting the pocket for stuffing quick and easy.




-- Let's Make It Together

Start by creating a pocket in each chicken breast and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Depending upon the size you the chicken breasts use 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 Tablespoons of the spinach artichoke spread, securing the pocket with one or two toothpicks, then sear the chicken until golden on both sides.

Transfer to a sheet pan and in to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is warm and creamy.

For the garlic butter sauce, use the same skillet to build flavor from the browned bits left behind. A quick simmer and cornstarch slurry create a silky sauce that's perfect spooned over the finished chicken.





-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The biggest key to success is not overfilling the chicken. Try to make the pocket deep and when filling leave a little room inside the pocket so the filling stays tucked inside while the chicken cooks. Secure with one or two toothpicks.  This will help keep the cheese inside.  Please note that you may have some of the cheese ooze out, this is natural are the cheese melts and is ok.  An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here—make sure to test the thickest part of the chicken and not in the part with the cheese.  Pull the chicken when it reaches 165°F for the juiciest results.




-- Add Your Touch

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easily it can adapt to whatever you're serving alongside it. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with different herbs, vegetables, and finishing touches.

  • Add chopped fresh basil to the filling
  • Finish with grated Parmesan
  • Add sautéed mushrooms to the pan sauce
  • Stir fresh thyme into the butter sauce
  • Add a squeeze of lemon before serving




-- Set the Mood 

Food is about more than just the recipe—it’s about the moment around the table. Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.




This Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken with Garlic Butter Pan Sauce might be the most impressive-looking recipe in the entire series, but it's also one of the easiest. That's exactly why it earns a spot in my 5 Delicious Ways I'm Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese (Beyond the Dip Bowl) collection.

If you're following along with the series, be sure to check out the first two recipes: Roasted Tomato Spinach Artichoke Crostini and Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Pasta with Lemon & Peas. Together, they show just how versatile this simple ingredient can be.

You might also enjoy Sheet Pan Burrata Gnocchi with Roasted Peppers & Basil, Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate, or Strawberry Blueberry Muffins with Lemon & Oat Crumb Topping for more seasonal inspiration.

The fourth recipe in the series arrives next Tuesday, and it's another delicious way to think beyond the dip bowl.




Before You Start


Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can stuff and season the chicken several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Can I skip the sauce?
Absolutely. The chicken is delicious on its own, but the garlic butter sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

What sides go best with this recipe?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad all work beautifully.

Can I use smaller chicken breasts?
Yes. Simply reduce the baking time and monitor the internal temperature closely.

Is the sauce necessary?
Not at all, but if you have a few extra minutes, it's worth making. The sauce comes together quickly and makes the dish feel even more special.






Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Lemon & Peas


Turn Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese into a silky pasta sauce with this Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Pasta with Lemon & Peas. A quick weeknight dinner packed with bright lemon, sweet peas, and fresh herbs.



Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Lemon & Peas

 

When I shared my roundup post, 5 Delicious Ways I'm Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese (Beyond the Dip Bowl), this pasta was one of the recipes I was most excited to make.

After kicking off the series with the Roasted Tomato Spinach Artichoke Crostini, we're moving into weeknight dinner territory with Recipe #2. Every Tuesday, I'll be sharing another full recipe from the series, showing just how versatile this creamy spinach and artichoke spread can be beyond the appetizer table.

This pasta might be one of the easiest transformations yet. The cheese spread melts into a silky sauce with almost no effort, while sweet peas, fresh parsley, and bright lemon keep the dish feeling light and seasonal rather than heavy. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like something that took much longer to make.

It's exactly the kind of dinner I find myself reaching for on busy evenings when I want something comforting but still fresh enough for warmer weather.









-- Ingredients

  • Medium shell pasta - The shells capture the creamy sauce and little bursts of peas in every bite.
  • Frozen peas - A simple shortcut ingredient that adds sweetness, color, and texture.
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic - Adds a savory foundation without overpowering the spinach and artichoke flavors.
  • Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Spread - The secret ingredient that transforms into a silky, flavorful pasta sauce.
  • Unsalted butter 
  • Reserved pasta water - The key to creating a restaurant-quality sauce. The starch helps everything emulsify beautifully.
  • Lemon juice and lemon zest
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For Serving

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Additional parsley
  • Lemon wedges



-- Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring cup
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

My Go-To's

  • Large Dutch Oven or Pasta Pot - Provides plenty of room for the pasta and peas to cook evenly.
  • Fine Microplane - Perfect for Parmesan and fresh lemon zest if you'd like an extra citrus finish.
  • Silicone Spoon - Helps gently toss the pasta without breaking the shells.




-- Let's Make It Together

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Add the frozen peas during the last two minutes of cooking.

Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and peas and set aside.

Return the pot to medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the spinach and artichoke spread, butter, and some a big splash of reserved pasta water. Whisk until everything melts together.

Add the pasta and peas to the pot and toss until coated. Add another large splash of pasta water and stir to combine.  Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper.

Place pasta in a serving bowl and finish with Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest and additional lemon wedges.






-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The secret to this recipe is the pasta water. Don't think of it as an optional ingredient—it's what transforms the cheese spread and butter into a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. The sauce should look slightly looser than you'd expect because it will continue to thicken as it rests.





-- Add Your Touch

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to customize. The creamy sauce works beautifully with seasonal vegetables, proteins, and fresh herbs, making it a great "clean out the refrigerator" dinner while still feeling intentional.

  • Add shredded rotisserie chicken
  • Stir in baby spinach
  • Add sautéed mushrooms
  • Top with crispy pancetta





Set the Mood

Meals taste even better when the table feels inviting. Here are a few simple ways to set the mood for this recipe.





This pasta is proof that a single ingredient can completely change the way you think about weeknight cooking. With just a few pantry staples and a little pasta water, the spinach and artichoke spread transforms into a silky sauce that feels comforting without being overly rich.

As the second recipe in my 5 Delicious Ways I'm Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese (Beyond the Dip Bowl) series, it's another reminder that this versatile ingredient belongs in far more places than the appetizer table.

If you're following along with the series, be sure to check out the original roundup post as well as the first recipe, Roasted Tomato Spinach Artichoke Crostini. 

You might also enjoy Sheet Pan Burrata Gnocchi with Roasted Peppers & Basil, Sicilian Lemon Butter Chicken with Garlic Thyme Rice, and Honey Roasted Rhubarb & Strawberry Labneh Plate for more fresh, seasonal inspiration.

New recipes from the series continue every Tuesday.





-- Before You Start


Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Medium shells work especially well, but rotini, cavatappi, orecchiette, or penne are all great options.

Can I make this ahead?
This pasta is best served immediately, but leftovers can be refreshed with a splash of warm water when reheating.

Can I use fresh peas?
Yes. Fresh peas can be added during the final few minutes of cooking just like frozen peas.

What if my sauce seems too thick?
Add additional reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.

Can I make this a complete meal?
Definitely. Rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or white beans all pair beautifully with these flavors.




Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Roasted Tomato & Spinach Artichoke Crostini


These Roasted Tomato Spinach Artichoke Crostini are topped with creamy Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese, blistered tomatoes, basil, and lemon zest for an easy appetizer that feels effortlessly elevated.



Roasted Tomato Spinach Artichoke Crostini


As promised from my “5 Delicious Ways I’m Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese” roundup post—here’s the very first full recipe in the series, and honestly, it might be one of my favorites. Over the next several Tuesdays, I’ll be sharing the remaining recipes one by one, but this roasted tomato crostini felt like the perfect place to start.

The creamy spinach artichoke cheese spread melts slightly into the warm grilled sourdough while the roasted tomatoes turn sweet, soft, and almost jammy in the oven. Finished with fresh basil and bright lemon zest, every bite hits that perfect balance of creamy, crispy, savory, and fresh. It tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Mediterranean wine bar, yet it comes together with surprisingly little effort.

This is the kind of appetizer that instantly makes a gathering feel a little more special without creating extra work in the kitchen. Set the crostini out with a glass of wine, a simple salad, or part of a relaxed grazing board and suddenly the whole evening feels effortlessly put together.

The fresh basil and lemon zest at the end completely wake everything up and make the whole platter taste bright, savory, and fresh.









Ingredients

  • Mini Sourdough Boule - The chewy texture and crisp edges make the perfect base for crostini. Grilling the bread adds even more flavor and texture.
  • Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Spread - Creamy, savory, and already packed with flavor, this acts as both the spread and the flavor base for the entire recipe.
  • Cherry Tomatoes - Roasting concentrates their sweetness and creates a soft, almost jammy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
  • GarlicA small amount adds warmth and depth to the roasted tomatoes without overpowering them.
  • Olive Oil - Used both for roasting and grilling to create rich flavor and golden crisp edges.
  • Fresh Basil - Adds freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the cheese spread.
  • Lemon Zest - The finishing touch that wakes everything up and makes the flavors feel lighter and fresher.



Equipment

  • Sheet pan or baking dish
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Citrus zester
  • Serrated knife
  • Serving platter

My Go-To’s

  • Grill Pan - Creates beautiful charred edges and adds extra flavor to the bread.
  • Microplane ZesterPerfect for finely grating lemon zest directly over the finished crostini.
  • Ceramic Baking DishIdeal for roasting tomatoes evenly while keeping all the flavorful juices contained.






Let’s Make It Together

Start by roasting the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until they become soft and blistered.

While the tomatoes roast, grill the sourdough slices in a hot grill pan brushed lightly with olive oil until golden with crisp edges.

Spread a generous layer of Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese onto the warm crostini, then spoon the roasted tomatoes and their juices over the top.

Finish with torn basil and fresh lemon zest before serving.




Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key to this recipe is roasting the tomatoes until they blister. Blistering happens when the heat causes the tomato skins to wrinkle and split slightly while the inside becomes soft, juicy, and concentrated in flavor. You want the tomatoes tender and glossy—not dried out—so keep an eye on them toward the end of roasting.




Add Your Touch

  • Add balsamic glaze for sweetness
  • Top with prosciutto for a heartier appetizer
  • Swap basil for fresh thyme
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat






Set the Mood

Food is about more than just the recipe—it’s about the moment around the table. Here are a few simple ideas to set the mood when you serve this dish.



This is exactly the kind of appetizer I love making lately—simple ingredients layered together in a way that feels cozy, fresh, and just a little elevated. The creamy spinach artichoke cheese paired with sweet roasted tomatoes creates something that tastes far more complicated than it actually is.

This crostini is also the very first recipe in my “5 Delicious Ways I’m Using Alouette Spinach & Artichoke Cheese (Beyond the Dip Bowl)” series, where I’m sharing easy ways to turn one grocery-store find into dinners, brunch ideas, appetizers, and entertaining dishes throughout the week.

If you missed the original roundup post, you can click the link above to see all five recipes in the series, including creamy pasta, stuffed chicken, savory breakfast toast, and a rustic puff pastry tart still coming over the next several Tuesdays.

And if this crostini is any indication, this ingredient has officially earned a permanent spot in my refrigerator lately.




Before You Start


Can I make these ahead of time?  
You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time, but assemble the crostini just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

What bread works best?  
Sourdough, or any rustic artisan loaf with structure works well.

Can I serve this cold?  
It’s best slightly warm or at room temperature.

Do I have to grill the bread?  
No—toast it in the oven if preferred, but the grill pan adds great texture and flavor.

What can I do with leftover spread?  
Use it in pasta, stuffed chicken, breakfast toast, or puff pastry recipes throughout the week.














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