If you love hearty pasta dishes with rich flavors and a delightful creamy texture, you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with succulent Italian sausage, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach all tossed in a dreamy garlic butter sauce that’s subtly spicy and luxuriously creamy. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent yet balanced, making it a go-to meal when you want something filling and delicious without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, and each one brings a crucial element to the overall experience. From the tender pasta that absorbs the creamy goodness to the hearty meats and fresh greens, every ingredient plays a vital role in the final taste and texture.
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni or rotini are great alternatives to keep things interesting.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the sausage and beef without sticking, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 12 ounces Italian Sausage (casings removed): Provides that wonderful, spiced meatiness that forms the backbone of the dish.
- 8 ounces Ground Beef: Choosing lean beef helps balance out the richness of the sausage and cream.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Key to creating that silky, garlic-infused sauce that coats the pasta.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Delivers the bold, aromatic punch every creamy garlic butter sauce needs.
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium): Adds depth and umami to the sauce without overpowering the creaminess.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream for indulgence or half-and-half if you prefer a lighter take.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce, providing a nutty, savory richness.
- 3 cups Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy contrast and vibrant green color; kale works as a sturdier alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a little bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water: This magical ingredient helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly to your liking.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is pure gold when it comes to adjusting the sauce later, giving it that silky, clingy texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, followed by the ground beef. Let them brown beautifully, developing those rich caramelized bits that infuse the dish with meaty depth. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep the skillet ready for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. The aroma here is heavenly and signals the start of that luscious sauce. Then, pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly to thicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Seasoning, and Spinach
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, enriching every drop. Next, fold in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted — this keeps the greens bright and fresh, adding both nutrition and color contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Meat with Sauce
Return the cooked sausage and beef to the skillet, then add the drained penne. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce as needed. This step ensures every piece of pasta and meat is lovingly coated in that creamy garlic butter goodness, creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and mild herbal brightness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can add an extra layer of richness that takes this dish over the edge.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every bit of that luxurious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also make for a hearty, colorful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large rustic bowl for a cozy, communal vibe, or plate it individually with a small sprig of fresh basil on top for a restaurant-style presentation that’ll impress your guests. For a fun twist, try baking the combined pasta and sauce in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze before adding the spinach or garnish since they can become mushy after thawing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as the sauce can separate and the spinach may lose its vibrant texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions to ensure al dente texture.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature luxuriously creamy texture, but you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less thick but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Alternatively, use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat.
Can I prepare this recipe without meat?
Yes! Swap the sausage and beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein to keep it hearty and satisfying. The sauce and spinach will still shine as the stars of the dish.
What’s the best way to keep the spinach fresh and vibrant?
Add the spinach just at the end of cooking and stir until it just wilts. Overcooking or adding it too early will cause it to turn dark and lose that fresh flavor and appealing color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe truly hits all the right notes when cravings call for a comforting yet impressive meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to serve to friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand the perfect balance of creamy sauce, hearty meats, and fresh greens that make this dish a real winner every time.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Savor the rich and creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Italian Sausage and fresh spinach for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a luscious garlic butter sauce, hearty ground beef, and savory Italian sausage, all brought together with Parmesan and a touch of creaminess from heavy cream, accented by fresh greens for a balanced yet indulgent plate.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (can substitute with rigatoni or rotini)
Meat
- 12 ounces Italian Sausage (casings removed)
- 8 ounces Ground Beef (lean recommended)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for lighter alternative)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Vegetables
- 3 cups Baby Spinach (can substitute with kale)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (removed from casings) and ground beef. Cook, breaking them apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Push the meat to the side of the skillet. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stir to combine all ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Incorporate Spinach and Pasta: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Then add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to loosen and blend the sauce evenly over the pasta. Toss together until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic butter beef penne immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with rigatoni or rotini pasta for similar texture and sauce retention.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with less richness.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Swap baby spinach with kale, but cook kale a bit longer until tender.
- Make sure to reserve pasta water as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it adhere to the pasta better.
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and calories in the dish.
