Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is comfort food at its finest — bold, saucy, rich, and irresistibly cheesy. Imagine perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed in a garlicky butter sauce, tangled with juicy, browned Italian sausage, and a healthy handful of wilted spinach. Then it’s all stacked high and blanketed in melty, golden mozzarella cheese. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent, yet sneakily packed with greens.

The dish is like a hybrid between classic spaghetti and a lasagna-style bake — layers of flavor without the effort of layering. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels like something special. From the aroma of sizzling garlic and sausage to that first bite of cheesy, savory satisfaction, this is a recipe that brings joy to the table.

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

• One-pan feel, multi-layered flavor – It tastes like a baked pasta dish but without the complexity.
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters won’t argue with sausage, cheese, and pasta.
• Quick but hearty – Ready in under 40 minutes, it delivers that “slow-cooked” depth.
• Spinach sneaks in nutrients – A clever way to get in your greens.
• Great for leftovers – Holds up beautifully for next-day lunches or meal prep.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and the Importance of Each)

Creating Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach doesn’t require fancy gadgets — just a few reliable kitchen tools that help lock in flavor and streamline the process:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the sausage and sautéing the garlic and spinach. Opt for one with high sides to make tossing the pasta easier.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A wide pot ensures the spaghetti cooks evenly and doesn’t clump. Salt the water generously to season the noodles from within.
• Colander: For quick and effective draining of the cooked spaghetti. Shake well to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for breaking up sausage and stirring the sauce gently without damaging non-stick surfaces.
• Box Grater: Freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded — use this for that dreamy cheese pull.
• Oven-Safe Dish or Small Cast-Iron Pan (optional): If you want that bubbly, golden top layer of cheese, finish it in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes.

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Preparation Tips

• Use room-temperature sausage for even browning. Cold meat tends to cook unevenly and clump.
• Don’t overcook the spinach. Add it at the very end of sautéing and stir just until wilted. Overdoing it will make the dish soggy.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining. A splash of it helps marry the garlic butter sauce with the pasta.
• Grate cheese fresh — it melts creamier and doesn’t have anti-caking agents.
• Finish with a broil for texture — after assembling the dish with cheese, a 2-3 minute broil gives a gorgeous bubbly crust.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Here’s everything you need to bring this rich and flavorful dish to life. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.

• 12 oz spaghetti (or any long pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy based on preference)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup marinara sauce (use a good-quality or homemade sauce)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

This ingredient list strikes a balance between bold flavor and a cozy, home-cooked feel — with spinach for freshness, sausage for savoriness, and mozzarella to tie it all together.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Let’s walk through each step to create this irresistible, restaurant-style meal right in your kitchen.

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Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave just a bit for flavor.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Push the sausage to the side of the pan. Add butter to the cleared space and let it melt. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant — careful not to brown the garlic.

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Step 4: Add Spinach and Seasoning

Stir the garlic and butter into the sausage. Toss in the spinach and cook just until wilted — about 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

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Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce and a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and saucy. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen.

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Step 6: Top with Cheese

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt, or place the pan under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the spaghetti high, spoon extra sausage and spinach mixture over the top, and finish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

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Notes

• Pasta Water Is Gold: Always reserve a bit before draining — it helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti for a silkier, restaurant-quality finish.
• Balance Your Cheese: While mozzarella gives that gooey pull, adding a touch of Parmesan at the end brings saltiness and depth.
• Customize Heat Levels: Like it spicier? Use hot Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes. Want it kid-friendly? Stick to mild sausage and skip the spice.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since spaghetti continues to cook slightly when tossed in the skillet, aim for just al dente when boiling.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the top layer oily. Freshly shredded is key for that perfect melt.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: Without it, the sauce may not cling properly to the noodles, leaving the dish dry.
• Overloading with Sauce: A little marinara goes a long way — this isn’t a heavy red sauce dish. Let the garlic butter and sausage shine.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Sausage and cheese already carry salt, so taste before adding more. Too much can overpower the whole dish.
• Cooking Spinach Too Early: Add it at the very end — otherwise it breaks down too much and loses vibrancy.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast in butter. Keep the heat moderate and stir continuously for just 30 seconds.
• Skipping the Cheese Melt Step: Whether covered on the stove or broiled, melting the cheese fully transforms this dish from simple to standout.

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

This dish is rich, hearty, and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it to a full-blown dinner experience. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, these options add balance and variety to your plate.

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8 Recommended Side Pairings

1. Garlic Bread or Cheese Toast
   Crunchy, buttery, and ideal for mopping up extra sauce. Use ciabatta or sourdough for added texture.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Toss in olive oil and roast until tender for a colorful, nutritious side.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction bring brightness and acidity to balance the butteriness.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These savory bites pair well with Italian flavors and can be prepared ahead for easy serving.
6. Antipasto Platter
   Cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and provolone cheese give a Mediterranean kick to your table.
7. Creamy Tomato Soup
   Serve a small bowl on the side for a cozy, comforting duo — especially good in colder months.
8. Chopped Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
   A zesty, crunchy green salad helps cut through the richness and adds a healthy element to the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach stores surprisingly well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Freezing: While possible, it’s best fresh. Cheese and spinach textures can change once frozen. If you do freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~640 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Serving Size: Approx. 1 ½ cups
• Dietary Info: Not gluten-free. Contains dairy and pork (depending on sausage).

Note: Values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well — just adjust cooking times. Choose pasta with enough surface area to hold the garlic butter and sausage mix.

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2. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can lighten it up by using turkey or chicken sausage, cutting back on the cheese, and using whole wheat pasta. You could also swap out butter for olive oil.

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3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the sausage and replace it with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. Add extra spinach or some zucchini for more body.

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4. How spicy is it?

Mild Italian sausage makes this dish very family-friendly. For a spicier version, use hot sausage and increase the crushed red pepper.

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5. Do I need to bake it?

No baking is required. However, a quick 2–3 minutes under the broiler melts and browns the cheese beautifully for that irresistible finish.

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6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook everything except the pasta and cheese topping. Reheat, toss with freshly cooked pasta, top with cheese, and melt just before serving.

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7. What type of sausage works best?

Italian pork sausage (mild or spicy) is traditional, but feel free to try chicken, turkey, or even vegan sausage for dietary preferences.

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8. Will the spinach make the dish watery?

Not if you add it at the end and sauté just until wilted. Avoid frozen spinach unless it’s thoroughly drained and squeezed dry.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach isn’t just another pasta night — it’s comfort, flavor, and indulgence wrapped into one satisfying meal. With a rich garlicky butter sauce, juicy sausage, melty cheese, and a good dose of greens, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even casual dinner parties, this is a recipe that looks as good as it tastes — and feels as cozy as it sounds.

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