Oh boy, let me tell you about this chicken and beef pasta with spinach and tomatoes in garlic cream sauce! It’s a fantastic blend of tender chicken and juicy beef, all tossed together with vibrant spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Seriously, every bite is a celebration of flavors! You’ll love how the creamy sauce clings to the pasta, making it utterly irresistible. It’s a dish that not only looks beautiful on the plate but also warms your heart with its comforting vibe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this pasta dish is bound to impress!

Ingredients for Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta dish! Trust me, it’s all about using fresh, quality ingredients to really make those flavors pop.

200g pasta (your choice: penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great!)
100g chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
100g beef, diced into similar-sized chunks
2 cups fresh spinach (you can use baby spinach for a milder taste)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for that burst of sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
1 cup heavy cream (for that rich, velvety sauce)
2 tablespoons olive oil (to sauté everything to perfection)
Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but start small!)
Pepper to taste (a little kick never hurt anyone)
Parmesan cheese for serving (grate it fresh if you can!)

How to Prepare Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time.

First things first, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the water to give it that extra flavor! While the pasta’s cooking, you can start on the sauce.
In a large pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking, so keep an eye on it!
Add the diced chicken and beef to the pan. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re beautifully browned. You want that gorgeous golden color—yum!
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute. Oh, the smell is going to be heavenly!
Now, add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook everything together for another 3–4 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it all together to combine. This is where the creamy goodness comes in! Let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes to thicken up a bit.
Season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
Finally, drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that dreamy garlic cream sauce.
Serve it up hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
The combination of chicken and beef delivers a satisfying and hearty meal.
Fresh spinach and tomatoes add vibrant color and nutrients.
The garlic cream sauce is rich and decadent, making every bite a delight.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Leftovers, if you have any, taste even better the next day!

Tips for Success

Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your chicken and beef pasta with spinach and tomatoes in garlic cream sauce turns out absolutely perfect!

Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente! It’ll continue to cook a bit when you mix it with the sauce, and you want that perfect bite.
Quality ingredients matter: Use fresh, high-quality chicken and beef for the best flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Adjust the garlic: If you love that garlicky goodness, feel free to add an extra clove or two. More garlic is never a bad idea!
Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving can elevate the dish. Plus, it adds a lovely pop of color!
Keep an eye on the sauce: If it gets too thick, you can always stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Just a little goes a long way!

Variations of Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

If you’re itching to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this chicken and beef pasta! For a lighter option, try swapping the chicken and beef for shrimp or even a hearty plant-based protein like chickpeas. Want to sneak in more veggies? Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the spinach and tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. You could also experiment with different pasta shapes—fettuccine, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice. The possibilities are endless, so go ahead and get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt, but just in case!), here’s how to store and reheat your delicious chicken and beef pasta with spinach and tomatoes in garlic cream sauce.

First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well so it doesn’t dry out! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just remember, the cream sauce might change texture a bit after freezing, but it’ll still taste great!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or a bit of pasta water to help loosen up the sauce and bring it back to life. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, covered, for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be sure not to overheat it, or you might end up with a splattered mess!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk nutrition! This chicken and beef pasta with spinach and tomatoes in garlic cream sauce is not only delicious but also pretty balanced for a comforting meal. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s nice to know you’re enjoying a hearty dish without going overboard, right?

FAQ About Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic Cream Sauce

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I love using penne or fettuccine, you can really use any pasta you have on hand. Try spaghetti, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and beef and load up on extra veggies instead. You can replace the protein with hearty options like mushrooms or chickpeas, and it’ll still be delicious!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for that creamy texture. Just remember it may change the flavor slightly!

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can cook the chicken and beef, prepare the sauce, and even cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to eat. It’ll save you time on a busy night!

Chicken and Beef Pasta with Spinach in Creamy Bliss

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken and beef, cooked with spinach and tomatoes in a garlic cream sauce.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken and beef, and cook until browned.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add spinach and tomatoes, and cook until spinach wilts.
Pour in heavy cream, and stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken and beef pasta, spinach, tomatoes, garlic cream sauce

Spread the love