Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines everything you love about comfort food — creamy sauce, tender chicken and beef, plus vibrant vegetables like spinach and tomatoes. The homemade garlic cream sauce adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the meat and veggies perfectly. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
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1 lb beef (cut into small pieces)
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2 teaspoons paprika
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
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1 cup chopped tomatoes
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4 cups fresh spinach
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1 lb penne pasta
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Crushed red pepper, to taste
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and beef. Cook, flipping occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, bringing it to a boil. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
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Add the tomatoes, spinach, and crushed red pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
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Return the chicken and beef to the skillet and mix everything together until well coated in the sauce.
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While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
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Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use extra mushrooms or zucchini for a satisfying veggie version.
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Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Different Greens: If you don't have spinach, try using kale or arugula for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, checking to make sure the sauce doesn't separate.
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works just as well in this dish. Make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water).
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor, or try Asiago cheese for a sharper taste.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
6. How do I make the beef more tender?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender as it cooks.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, as it might separate when reheated.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
9. What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s browned on both sides, then reduce the heat to cook through without drying it out.
10. Can I skip the beef altogether?
Yes, you can make the recipe with just chicken or even use shrimp for a seafood variation.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender meat, fresh veggies, and a rich creamy sauce all in one dish. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner when you want something delicious and filling. Enjoy!
Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce
Indulge in this hearty Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce. With tender chicken, savory beef, vibrant spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, this dish is a comforting and satisfying choice for any occasion. The creamy texture and burst of flavors make this pasta irresistible, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 lb beef (cut into small pieces)
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped tomatoes
4 cups fresh spinach
1 lb penne pasta
Crushed red pepper, to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and beef, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, bring to a boil, and stir in Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
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Add tomatoes, spinach, and crushed red pepper. Stir until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes.
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Return chicken and beef to the skillet, mixing until well coated in the sauce.
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While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the sauce.
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Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
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For a vegetarian version, replace meat with extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
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Adjust the level of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.
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Frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach if necessary.
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