Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

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I’ve cooked a lot of pasta dishes over the years, but this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach might just be one of my ultimate comfort food favorites. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors from seared beef sausage, creamy garlic butter sauce, and tender baby spinach all clinging to perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you want seconds before you’ve even finished your first plate.

What I love most is how this dish feels fancy without being fussy. It’s a one-pan-style meal that’s satisfying enough for a dinner party yet quick enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. I developed this recipe on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty but not heavy — and it hit the spot. Now it’s in regular rotation at my table.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This isn’t your average pasta night. The combination of garlic butter, juicy sausage, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese creates a luxurious, crave-worthy bite every time. The spinach adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness, and the pasta holds all that sauce beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile and simple to customize based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for two or a full house, this recipe will have everyone scraping their plates clean.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach?

You have some delicious choices here, depending on how bold you want the flavor. I prefer using Italian sausage — either spicy or mild, depending on the mood. The fennel and seasoning in Italian sausage give this dish a rich, savory backbone that blends beautifully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

If you want something smokier, a good smoked sausage or kielbasa also works well. For a leaner option, turkey sausage is a great substitute and still delivers big flavor. Whatever you choose, make sure it browns up nicely in the pan for those irresistible crispy edges.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the things I appreciate about this dish is how flexible it is. Here’s how you can switch things up if needed:

• Pasta: Penne works beautifully because it traps the sauce, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini would also be excellent.
• Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a leaner twist.
• Spinach: Kale, arugula, or even finely chopped broccoli florets can stand in if you’re out of spinach.
• Cheese: Mozzarella gives it that creamy pull, but provolone, fontina, or even gouda can melt in just as nicely.
• Cream: If you’re looking to lighten things up, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy finish without all the fat.

This dish is all about big flavors and comfort — feel free to tweak it to fit your pantry or preferences.

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

• Penne Pasta
  Penne is ideal for this dish because its tube shape captures the creamy sauce, sausage bits, and wilted spinach in every bite.
• Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
  The sausage adds rich, meaty flavor and texture — it’s the star protein that brings everything together.
• Ground Beef
  Using ground beef alongside sausage adds depth and a heartier bite, making the dish feel extra satisfying.
• Fresh Spinach
  Spinach brings a touch of freshness and color to balance the richness of the creamy, buttery sauce.
• Garlic (freshly minced)
  Garlic is key for the butter sauce, adding bold flavor and that irresistible aroma that defines this dish.
• Butter
  Butter is the base of the sauce and gives it a luxurious, velvety texture while helping brown the garlic and meat.
• Heavy Cream
  For that creamy, rich sauce that hugs every piece of pasta, heavy cream is essential.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish that gooey, cheesy pull that makes each bite extra comforting.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  Parmesan sharpens the overall flavor with its salty, nutty finish.
• Olive Oil
  A touch of olive oil helps sauté the meat and garlic while adding a bit of fruity richness to the base.
• Salt & Pepper
  Simple but necessary — seasoning each step of the dish ensures that every component is flavorful.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  If you like a little heat, these flakes add just enough warmth without overpowering the dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

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Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Add the sausage (casings removed, if necessary) and ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until well browned and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden — not burnt. This forms the foundation of your rich, flavorful sauce.

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Step 4: Add Cream and Cheeses

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until just wilted. This only takes a minute or two. You can add a splash of reserved pasta water here if the sauce needs loosening.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the browned sausage and beef to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

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Step 7: Broil for a Cheesy Finish (Optional but Recommended)

If you want a bubbly, golden top — transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with a little more mozzarella and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is lightly browned.

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How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

From start to finish, this dish takes around 35–40 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Pasta boiling time: 8–10 minutes
• Browning sausage and beef: 6–8 minutes
• Making the sauce: 6–7 minutes
• Combining and finishing: 5–10 minutes
• Optional broiling: 2–3 minutes

This makes it a great weeknight dinner option that doesn’t require you to spend all evening in the kitchen.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

• Brown the meat deeply. Let the sausage and beef get golden and slightly crispy for maximum flavor — don’t rush this step.
• Don’t overcook the spinach. Add it last so it wilts but still keeps its bright green color and texture.
• Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh is best.
• Adjust the creaminess. If the sauce feels too thick, a little reserved pasta water can loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.
• Taste as you go. Season each layer — meat, sauce, and final dish — to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
• Broil carefully. If you broil for that golden cheese crust, keep a close eye on it. It goes from perfect to burnt quickly.
• Serve hot. This dish is best right off the stove while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melty.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta
  Penne should be cooked al dente so it holds its shape and texture after being mixed into the creamy sauce.
• Burning the Garlic
  Garlic cooks fast. If your pan is too hot, it can burn and turn bitter — lower the heat once the butter melts and stir constantly.
• Skipping the Pasta Water
  Don’t drain your pasta without saving some of the water. It can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick and helps everything cling together.
• Using Low-Quality Sausage
  Cheap sausage can be greasy and bland. Choose one with good seasoning and a meat-first ingredient list for better flavor.
• Overloading the Cheese
  Yes, it’s tempting — but too much cheese can make the sauce too thick or stringy. Stick to the amounts listed, and save extra cheese for the broiled topping.
• Crowding the Pan While Browning Meat
  If your pan’s too full, the meat will steam instead of brown. Use a large skillet or brown in batches for the best results.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach?

Garlic Bread

Because what’s better than using a slice of warm, crispy garlic bread to mop up extra creamy sauce?

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing add freshness and contrast beautifully with the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted with olive oil and lemon, broccoli adds texture and a subtle bitterness that balances the creamy flavors.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed in balsamic glaze give a cool, sweet-tart contrast.

Steamed Green Beans

A light and simple side to keep things balanced — toss with a little butter and lemon zest.

Chili Flake Brussels Sprouts

Pan-seared Brussels sprouts with a pinch of heat provide an earthy, crisp pairing to the soft pasta.

Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime

A refreshing drink to cut through the richness without overwhelming your palate.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re sipping, a light red like Chianti or Pinot Noir complements the sausage and garlic butter beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t guaranteed with a dish this good!), they store beautifully for quick meals later in the week.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, though the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

These values are estimates and can vary depending on the sausage type, cheese brand, and pasta used — but this gives a general idea of what you’re enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on your sausage and whether you add red pepper flakes. Use mild Italian sausage for a gentle flavor or spicy for extra heat. The spice level is easy to control.

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Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving. Add a little milk or cream while reheating to refresh the sauce.

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What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of butter. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy.

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Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Most kids love creamy pasta, especially with the sausage and cheesy goodness. Just go easy on the red pepper flakes if they’re sensitive to spice.

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Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the beef and sausage and use plant-based meat or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers instead.

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What’s the best pasta substitute for penne?

Rigatoni, rotini, or ziti work just as well. Anything with ridges or tubes will hold the sauce perfectly.

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How can I make it more protein-rich?

Double the sausage or beef, or stir in some white beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.

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Will this taste good without cheese?

It will still be tasty with the garlic butter and sausage, but the cheeses give it that signature creaminess. You could try dairy-free cheeses if avoiding dairy.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor in equal measure. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to suit whatever’s in your fridge. From the rich garlic butter sauce to the hearty beef and melty cheese, every bite is packed with satisfaction. It’s one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again — and luckily, it’s easy to whip up any night of the week.

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