Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor — juicy Italian sausage, seasoned ground beef, and fresh spinach tossed in a rich garlic butter cream sauce. It’s the kind of quick dinner idea that feels fancy but comes together in under 40 minutes. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is ideal for a cozy night in, impressing guests, or when you’re craving something truly satisfying. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, hearty pasta meals, or just some weeknight food ideas, this one-pan dish checks every box.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
½ lb ground beef
3 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook sausage and ground beef until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat, melt the butter in the same pan, and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and melted into a creamy sauce.
6. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Return the cooked sausage and beef to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, silkier sauce that melts perfectly into the cream.
Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente holds best in creamy sauces.
Save your pasta water — it’s a game-changer if your sauce needs adjusting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Optional Broil
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter pasta, penne with sausage, beef and spinach pasta, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, pasta ideas, quick dinner