Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta

Picture this: tender chicken and savory beef mingling with vibrant spinach and al dente pasta, all coated in a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. This Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta combines the best proteins with nutrient-rich greens for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors create a dish that’s impressive enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. You’ll learn how to perfectly balance these ingredients for a pasta dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, it’s a protein powerhouse, combining both chicken and beef for hearty satisfaction that keeps you full longer. The wilted spinach adds a beautiful pop of color, velvety texture, and essential nutrients, making this a truly balanced one-pot wonder.

What makes this dish special is how the proteins develop a beautiful sear, creating deep flavor compounds that infuse the entire dish. The pasta absorbs all these savory elements while maintaining its perfect bite. Plus, the contrasting textures—tender meat, silky spinach, and toothsome pasta—create an exciting mouthfeel with every forkful.

Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this hearty pasta with spinach and dual proteins can be easily adjusted to suit anyone’s preferences. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225g) lean ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
• 6 cups (180g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

The key to this Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta is using both chicken and beef for complementary protein flavors. Fresh spinach will wilt perfectly into the hot pasta, but you can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) in a pinch. Choose a pasta shape with ridges or curves to capture the sauce effectively.

Pro Tips

For the most flavorful Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta, follow these critical techniques:

Season and cook proteins separately: This is non-negotiable for developing proper flavor. Season both meats generously before cooking and brown them in batches. Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of searing, robbing you of those delicious caramelized flavor compounds. Remove each protein when it’s just cooked through, as they’ll continue cooking when returned to the sauce later.

Perfect your pasta technique: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes shy of the package directions for truly al dente texture. Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce that clings to every bite. Never rinse your pasta; the starch on the surface is essential for sauce adherence.

Layer your flavors strategically: Build flavor by sautéing aromatics in the same pan used for the meat to capture every bit of fond (those browned bits on the pan bottom). Deglaze with a splash of broth, scraping up these flavorful bits before adding remaining liquids. This creates a multi-dimensional sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. Meanwhile, season the chicken strips and ground beef separately with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to the plate with the chicken, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes, stirring to bloom the spices.

Step 4

Cook your pasta in the boiling water until 1 minute shy of al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 5

While the pasta cooks, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly for 2 minutes. If using, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce thicken for another 2 minutes.

Step 6

Return the cooked chicken and beef to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. This happens quickly, so keep stirring to ensure even wilting. Your Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta is now coming together beautifully!

Step 7

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8

Serve your Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil if desired. The combination of chicken, beef, and spinach creates a pasta dish with incredible depth of flavor that’s sure to impress.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta with Mediterranean flair by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup Kalamata olives, and 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano for a bright, tangy twist on the original. This variation works beautifully with short pasta shapes like orecchiette or farfalle.

Creamy Mushroom Version: For an earthier, more luxurious take, omit the beef and double the chicken. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a blend) and sauté them after the onions until golden brown. Increase the heavy cream to ¾ cup and add 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves. This creates a robust chicken spinach pasta with deep umami notes from the mushrooms.

Spicy Sausage Alternative: Replace the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage (removed from casings) for a flavor-packed variation. Add a diced red bell pepper with the onions and finish the dish with a handful of toasted pine nuts for textural contrast. This bold version pairs wonderfully with tubular pasta like rigatoni or ziti.

Storage and Serving

Your Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will absorb liquid as it sits. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

For freezing, portion the pasta into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve this hearty pasta as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A side of garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce. For entertaining, serve your Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan shavings for an impressive presentation.

FAQs

Can I use just one type of meat instead of both chicken and beef?
Absolutely! You can double up on either protein or use 16 ounces of just chicken or just beef. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious. If using only chicken, consider adding a teaspoon of worcestershire sauce to enhance umami flavors.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Skip the heavy cream and use an additional ¼ cup of pasta water mixed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead. You can also use ground turkey in place of beef and increase the vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini.

My family doesn’t like spinach. Can I substitute another vegetable?
Certainly! Try using chopped kale (which will need a slightly longer cooking time), arugula (add just before serving for peppery flavor), or even broccoli florets (blanch them with the pasta for the last 2 minutes of cooking).

Can I make this Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Cook everything except the pasta, then refrigerate the sauce with meat and vegetables. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and combine with the reheated sauce.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Medium shapes with ridges or curves work best as they capture the sauce effectively. Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle are all excellent choices for this Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta.

Conclusion

This Chicken Spinach Beef Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a satisfying blend of tender proteins, nutrient-rich greens, and perfectly cooked pasta that comes together in one spectacular dish. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special while still being approachable enough for even novice cooks. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress dinner guests, this versatile pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss, proving that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from combining simple ingredients in thoughtful ways.

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