Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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Some recipes are born out of hunger, others out of creativity—this one was born out of both. I was craving something deeply savory, ultra-comforting, and just a little indulgent. What I ended up with was this rich, cheesy, garlic-loaded spaghetti dish that’s practically a hug in food form. The garlic butter clings to every strand of pasta, the sausage brings a bold, meaty bite, and the spinach adds just enough green to balance out the richness.

This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach has become a staple in my house because it feels like a gourmet meal without all the fuss. It uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavor—especially when that golden, melted cheese forms a perfect crown on top. It’s one of those dishes that makes people pause after the first bite. And honestly? That’s the best compliment a cook can get.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or trying to impress guests on a weekend, this dish has universal appeal. It’s loaded with bold Italian flavors and smothered in gooey cheese, but it’s also incredibly easy to throw together. The garlic butter base gives the pasta richness without feeling too heavy, while the sausage brings a savory depth that just keeps you going back for more.

And don’t underestimate the spinach—it brings just enough freshness to cut through the richness and makes you feel slightly better about that second helping (or third). You’ll also love that this is a one-pan sort of situation—cook the sausage, toss in the spinach, stir in the butter and pasta, and finish it off with cheese. Done. Comfort food doesn’t get much more satisfying than this.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

You’ve got options here, and they all lead to delicious. I personally love using mild or hot Italian sausage in this recipe—crumbled and browned to perfection—because it delivers loads of flavor without needing much seasoning. If you want more kick, go with spicy Italian sausage. Prefer a more mellow bite? Sweet Italian sausage works beautifully too. You can even use chicken or turkey sausage if you’re aiming for something lighter, though you may want to bump up the garlic and herbs to keep that rich flavor intact.

Another great tip? If you’re using sausage links, just remove the casings before cooking. You’ll get that same ground texture that blends so well with the spaghetti and cheese.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best parts about this dish is how flexible it is. If you’re out of spinach, don’t panic—kale, arugula, or even finely chopped broccoli rabe are great substitutes. Not a fan of sausage? Ground beef or ground turkey seasoned with Italian herbs will still hit the mark.

Can’t do dairy? Swap the cheese for a dairy-free mozzarella alternative or skip it entirely and load up on roasted garlic for flavor. Gluten-free pasta works great here too—just be sure to cook it slightly al dente so it holds up in the final mix.

You can also toss in extras if you’re feeling creative—sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all complement the garlic butter and sausage beautifully.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Spaghetti
The heart of the dish. It holds the sauce well and provides that satisfying twirl and bite we all crave.

Italian Sausage
This is your flavor powerhouse. Whether you go with spicy, sweet, or mild, sausage adds richness and depth to every bite.

Fresh Spinach
A touch of green that adds freshness, texture, and balance. It wilts beautifully into the hot pasta and butter sauce.

Garlic
Lots of it. The garlic is sautéed in butter to create the base flavor of the sauce, and it brings everything to life.

Butter
This is what gives the dish its creamy, velvety texture and rich flavor without needing a heavy cream sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melted on top to create that gooey, golden finish. It ties the whole dish together in the best way.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a sharp, salty kick that balances the richness of the butter and sausage.

Olive Oil
Used for sautéing and enhancing the garlic flavor, olive oil adds an extra layer of smoothness.

Salt and Pepper
Essential for bringing out the best in all the ingredients—taste as you go and season accordingly.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes takes it to the next level without overpowering the dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the casings from your Italian sausage (if using links), then crumble and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Break it into small chunks as it cooks for even flavor distribution.

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Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Once the sausage is browned, reduce the heat slightly. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Then add the butter and stir until fully melted, letting it soak into the sausage.

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Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir it in. It’ll look like a lot at first, but it wilts down quickly. Cook until just tender and vibrant green, about 2 minutes.

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Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter and sausage mixture. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

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Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and toss again. Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish or keep it in the skillet if it’s ovenproof. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

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Step 7: Broil Until Golden

Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Watch it closely—broilers work fast!

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Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the spaghetti is perfectly coated in all that garlic butter goodness.

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How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

This recipe comes together surprisingly fast, especially for how indulgent it tastes. Here’s the general timing breakdown:

• Spaghetti: 8–10 minutes to cook until al dente
• Sausage Browning: 7–8 minutes
• Garlic & Butter Sauce: 2–3 minutes
• Spinach Wilting: 2 minutes
• Assembly & Cheese Melting (Broil): 3–5 minutes

Total active cooking time is around 25–30 minutes, making this a quick and hearty option for a busy night or a cozy weekend dinner.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grate it fresh for that luscious, gooey finish.
• Cook pasta just to al dente: It will finish absorbing flavor when you toss it with the garlic butter and sausage.
• Don’t overcook the garlic: Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt garlic.
• Balance the salt: Between the sausage, butter, and cheese, it’s easy to over-season. Taste as you go and adjust gently.
• Save pasta water: A splash of reserved pasta water can fix a dry or overly thick sauce. It also helps everything cling together.
• Broil with caution: Keep your eye on the oven. That golden cheese turns from perfect to burnt in seconds under a broiler.
• Use a large skillet or pot: This makes tossing the pasta with the sauce easier and less messy.
• Let it rest for a minute: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a minute or two. It helps the cheese set just enough for perfect plating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this can hit a few snags if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast—too fast. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly when it hits the pan. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overpower the entire dish.
• Skipping the pasta water: That starchy water is key for a silky sauce. Don’t dump it all! Save at least ½ cup before draining the spaghetti.
• Using dry sausage: Sausage that’s too lean or overcooked will dry out. Go for juicy Italian sausage with enough fat to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Overcooking the spinach: It should just wilt, not disappear. Add it at the end and stir it in gently to keep that bright color and slight texture.
• Over-salting: With salty ingredients like sausage, Parmesan, and butter, it’s easy to go overboard. Taste first before adding more salt.
• Overloading with cheese: Yes, you want it cheesy—but too much cheese can make the dish greasy. Go for balance: rich, but not heavy.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach?

Garlic Bread

Classic and reliable. Toasty, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to mop up all that extra sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Think bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. They add color, texture, and balance.

A Glass of Red Wine

Chianti or a simple red blend enhances the sausage and garlic flavor without overpowering it.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil on a stick—light and flavorful alongside a heavy pasta.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Bright, citrusy asparagus brings freshness and makes a lovely visual on the table.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

If you’re skipping wine, go for something fizzy and citrusy to cleanse your palate.

Light Dessert

A scoop of lemon sorbet or a few chocolate-dipped strawberries to end on a sweet, clean note.

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Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), this dish stores beautifully with just a few simple steps:

• Refrigerate: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Freeze: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just know the texture of the cheese and spinach might change a bit. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Avoid freezing if you’ve already added a lot of cheese on top—it tends to separate and get greasy after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 920mg

Keep in mind these are ballpark figures and can vary based on the type of sausage and cheese you use. For a lighter version, go with leaner sausage and reduce the cheese slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can easily swap spaghetti for fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just make sure it’s a pasta shape that holds onto the buttery sauce well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the sausage and use a plant-based sausage alternative or load up on sautéed mushrooms for that umami flavor.

How spicy is it with hot Italian sausage?

It has a nice kick but isn’t overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, go for mild or sweet Italian sausage instead and skip the red pepper flakes.

Can I use frozen spinach?

You can—just make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to avoid watering down the sauce. Fresh spinach gives better texture, but frozen is a convenient backup.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella is the go-to for melting, but you can mix it with provolone or fontina for extra depth. Always opt for freshly grated if possible.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the entire dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or on the stove with a bit of added moisture to revive the sauce.

How do I make this dish more “saucy”?

Add a splash of cream or a bit more butter while tossing the pasta. Reserved pasta water is your best friend for creating extra sauce without heaviness.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love cheesy pasta and mild sausage. You can even leave out the spinach or chop it extra fine if you’re dealing with picky eaters.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is one of those magical meals that feels both indulgent and easy. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need a special occasion—it creates one. Whether you’re throwing it together on a weeknight or planning a cozy dinner for two, it delivers bold flavor, silky texture, and that cheesy finish everyone craves.

It’s also endlessly adaptable, whether you’re feeding meat lovers, vegetarians, or just trying to clear out the fridge. With just a few steps and everyday ingredients, this pasta quickly earns a spot in your regular rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s more than just a dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl.

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