Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Beef & Spinach Alfredo

There’s something truly comforting about a plate of creamy Alfredo pasta, especially when it’s elevated with tender prime rib and fresh, vibrant spinach. Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Beef & Spinach Alfredo is the perfect dish for a cozy evening at home, a weekend dinner with family, or even a special occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe transforms leftover or freshly cooked prime rib into a decadent, velvety sauce that wraps every strand of pasta in rich, savory flavor.

The inspiration for this dish comes from a tradition of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary comfort meals. Much like Italian-American households have done for decades, this recipe brings together hearty protein, fresh greens, and creamy pasta to create a dish that is indulgent yet satisfying. It’s a meal that invites conversation, laughter, and seconds at the table. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a small crowd, this Alfredo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound prime rib, thinly sliced or cubed

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

2. Prepare the prime rib: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the thinly sliced or cubed prime rib. Sear the meat for 2–3 minutes, just until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Combine pasta, meat, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and seared prime rib back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

6. Serve and garnish: Plate the creamy Alfredo pasta, ensuring an even distribution of prime rib and spinach. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Prime Rib Alfredo

• Use leftover prime rib: This recipe shines with leftover prime rib, making it a fantastic way to repurpose holiday or special occasion meat. The flavors are even richer when using roasted or grilled beef.

• Fresh spinach vs. frozen: Fresh spinach adds a bright, vibrant color and flavor. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce to prevent it from becoming watery.

• Cheese choice: Authentic Parmesan is key to a rich, creamy Alfredo. Avoid pre-grated blends that often contain anti-caking agents, which can affect the sauce’s texture.

• Adjusting creaminess: The combination of milk and heavy cream creates a luxurious texture without being overly heavy. Adjust the ratio depending on your preference for a lighter or richer sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances richness with freshness. The prime rib provides a hearty, savory protein, while the spinach adds a slight earthiness and vibrant green color. The Alfredo sauce ties everything together with creamy, cheesy goodness that coats each bite of pasta.

Unlike standard Alfredo recipes that rely solely on butter and cream, this dish incorporates a touch of olive oil and sautéed garlic to enhance depth of flavor. The optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, which complements the savory beef without overpowering the dish.

Additionally, the recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap fettuccine for penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Leftover prime rib can be substituted with ribeye, sirloin, or any tender beef cut, ensuring you can enjoy this comforting dish year-round.

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish

• Cozy weeknight dinners: This dish is quick enough for a weeknight treat yet decadent enough to feel special.

• Family gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining comfort food with a touch of elegance.

• Special celebrations: Whether a birthday, anniversary, or holiday meal, the rich flavors of prime rib and creamy Alfredo make it a memorable choice.

• Romantic dinners at home: A restaurant-quality dish that can be made in the comfort of your kitchen, perfect for date nights.

Healthier Adaptations

While indulgent, this recipe can be modified for lighter versions without sacrificing flavor:

• Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or unsweetened almond milk.

• Use whole-grain or high-protein pasta for added fiber.

• Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or roasted bell peppers for more nutrients.

• Reduce Parmesan slightly to lower sodium, or try a lighter cheese option.

These small adjustments can make the dish more balanced while still keeping it creamy and satisfying.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate pasta from sauce if possible to maintain texture.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back creaminess. Avoid using high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While fettuccine and penne are the most common choices for Alfredo because their shapes hold on to the creamy sauce beautifully, the recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to pasta selection. Rigatoni, bowtie (farfalle), rotini, and even spaghetti can all be used successfully. If you enjoy a more luxurious experience with a thicker coating of sauce, go with pasta shapes that have ridges or small openings. These create pockets where the Alfredo sauce can settle, giving you extra creaminess in every bite.

You can also consider using whole-grain or high-protein pasta to add more nutritional value without compromising the enjoyment of the dish. If you or your guests follow gluten-free diets, there are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available that will hold up well in a creamy sauce. The key is to cook the pasta to a perfect al dente texture so it doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the Alfredo.

2. What if I don’t have leftover prime rib?

Not everyone has leftover prime rib on hand, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this delicious pasta. Freshly cooked prime rib works wonderfully, and other cuts like ribeye, tri-tip, or sirloin make great substitutes. The most important step is slicing or cubing the beef thinly and cooking it just until warmed or lightly browned. Overcooking can lead to chewy meat, so keep a close eye while searing.

If you want to stretch your ingredients further, you can also mix in additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or roasted red peppers, to complement the beef and enhance the dish’s richness without requiring extra prime rib.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, with a little planning. The best approach is to prepare each component separately. Cook the pasta, make the Alfredo sauce, and keep the prime rib ready, then store them individually in airtight containers. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat everything together on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.

If prepping for guests, you can even assemble the dish up to a day ahead, but store it unheated. Warming it just before serving will ensure the flavors and creaminess are preserved.

4. How can I make the dish extra creamy?

For an even richer texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. Using freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference, as it melts smoothly and delivers a deeper, more authentic Alfredo flavor. Another trick is mixing in a dollop of cream cheese, which adds luxurious body to the sauce.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Beef & Spinach Alfredo is more than just a pasta dish—it’s an experience. It’s perfect for anyone who loves indulgent comfort food, rich flavors, and the combination of tender beef and creamy sauce. The vibrant spinach adds color and freshness, balancing the richness of the prime rib.

The dish is flexible, easy to prepare, and impressive enough to serve guests without making it feel complicated. It’s a great way to turn leftover prime rib into a new, exciting meal. Plus, the creamy Alfredo sauce is so luscious that everyone at the table will find themselves coming back for seconds.

This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy-handed or difficult. With just a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you can create a memorable meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and shareable.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.

• Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.

• A glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea complements the richness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a quiet night in, a family celebration, or a way to impress dinner guests, Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Beef & Spinach Alfredo hits all the right notes. The marriage of tender beef, fresh spinach, and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce creates a dish that is indulgent yet approachable.

Give this recipe a try, and discover how simple ingredients can transform into a decadent, comforting meal. It’s a dish that invites people to linger at the table, savor every bite, and remember the joy of good food shared with loved ones.

This recipe isn’t just about eating—it’s about celebrating flavor, comfort, and tradition. It’s the perfect addition to your dinner rotation and is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.

Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Beef & Spinach Alfredo

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This rich and delicious pasta dish combines tender slices of prime rib, fresh spinach, and a velvety Alfredo sauce to create the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for using leftover prime rib or adding a luxurious twist to a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound cooked prime rib, thinly sliced or cubed

• 4 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add prime rib and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

• Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.

• Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

• Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

• Return the pasta and prime rib to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.

• Serve warm and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Leftover prime rib works perfectly in this dish and keeps the meat tender.

• Freshly grated Parmesan helps achieve the smoothest Alfredo sauce.

• You can substitute ribeye, sirloin, or another tender beef cut if prime rib isn’t available.

• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or peas for additional flavor and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Michelle Davis