Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 340g bowtie pasta; 225g ground beef; 225g Italian sausage (sweet or spicy); 3 cups fresh spinach; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

I’ve always had a soft spot for comfort food that hits all the right notes — creamy, rich, savory, and loaded with flavor. This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is exactly that kind of meal. It’s the dish I turn to when I want something hearty without being overly complicated. With tender bowtie pasta tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, savory ground beef, juicy Italian sausage, and bursts of fresh spinach, this recipe delivers a full-flavored experience in every bite.

The first time I threw these ingredients together, I wasn’t aiming to create anything special — I was just trying to use up what I had in the fridge. But the results blew me away. Since then, it’s become a regular request at home, especially on cool nights when something warm and indulgent is all we crave. What I love most is how approachable it is — no fancy ingredients, no hours of prep, just honest, soul-satisfying food.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish brings everything to the table — flavor, texture, and ease. The bowtie pasta holds the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully, while the combination of beef and sausage adds depth and richness. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the cream. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for guests. Whether you need a comforting dinner idea, a quick pasta recipe, or something filling for a family meal, this one ticks every box.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

While bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is my go-to for this recipe, you’re not locked into it. I love using bowties because their ridges and pinched centers catch every drop of that creamy garlic butter sauce, giving you a perfect bite every time. That said, you can absolutely swap in other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even rigatoni. The key is to choose something sturdy that holds sauce well and adds a bit of texture contrast to the creaminess.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super adaptable, which makes it even more lovable. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make it a little lighter or spicier, here are some great options:

Ground Beef: Swap it for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
Italian Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage if you want some heat, or substitute with plant-based sausage for a meatless twist.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For dairy-free, try coconut cream.
Spinach: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard all work well if spinach isn’t available.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives for a saltier, sharper edge.
Butter: You can use olive oil, but you’ll miss that rich, silky finish that only butter brings.

With a little creativity, this dish can fit almost any dietary preference or pantry situation.

Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The star pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce in every bite. Its texture and structure hold up well in rich dishes like this.
Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and savory depth to the sauce. It gives the dish that meaty bite you crave in comfort food.
Italian Sausage: Brings bold, seasoned flavor — a perfect pairing with the creamy sauce and beef. You can use sweet or spicy depending on your mood.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a bit of earthiness. It balances the richness of the cream and butter.
Garlic (Minced): The flavor foundation. Garlic infuses the butter and cream with a fragrant, irresistible aroma.
Butter: The base of the sauce. It adds richness and silkiness that’s essential to the texture.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, creamy consistency we love. It binds all the ingredients together into a cohesive, decadent sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Salty, nutty, and sharp — it melts into the sauce and thickens it while adding another layer of flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season everything just right. Adjust to taste as you go.
Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and sausage. Adds depth and helps carry the garlic flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick. Completely up to you, but it brings a subtle heat that complements the creamy base beautifully.

Each of these ingredients plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and balance — making the final dish rich but not heavy, flavorful but not overwhelming.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up as they cook. Sauté until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — be careful not to let it brown.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the garlic butter. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef and sausage mixture to the skillet. Stir to coat the meat in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Fold in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the heat of the sauce, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30–35 minutes:

Pasta Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Browning the Meats: 6–8 minutes
Making the Sauce & Combining Ingredients: 10–12 minutes
Final Touches (Spinach & Tossing): 2–3 minutes

It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough to feel like a special occasion meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente since it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t deliver the same bold, aromatic flavor.
Drain Meat Properly: Excess grease can make the sauce feel heavy. Drain well before adding the meat back in.
Let the Sauce Simmer Gently: High heat can cause cream to separate. Keep it low and slow for that silky texture.
Add Pasta Water if Needed: If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of starchy pasta water brings it back to the perfect consistency.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and can leave the sauce grainy.
Taste As You Go: The sausage is already seasoned, so add salt at the end only if needed.

These little tips make a big difference and ensure every bite is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Pasta Water: Always save a bit before draining — it can rescue your sauce if it turns out too thick or dry.
Using Low-Quality Cream: Lower-fat substitutes can cause the sauce to break or taste bland. Stick with heavy cream for the best results.
Overcrowding the Pan: If your skillet is too small, the meat won’t brown — it’ll steam. Cook in batches if needed for that delicious caramelized flavor.
Adding Spinach Too Early: It cooks quickly. Adding it too soon will turn it mushy and dull green.
Not Tasting as You Go: Between the sausage, Parmesan, and pasta water, salt levels can fluctuate. Always adjust at the end for perfect seasoning.
Letting the Garlic Burn: Burnt garlic can ruin the entire sauce. Cook it low and slow in butter — and watch it like a hawk.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach?

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing — perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery freshness of arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the rich, creamy pasta beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a bit of crunch and a roasted, nutty flavor that complements the garlic butter sauce.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something bold like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon works great with the sausage and beef.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

A light, bright side that adds citrusy contrast to the creamy main dish.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bring a burst of freshness to your plate.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

A savory, umami-packed side dish that mirrors the richness of the pasta without overwhelming it.

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini

An oven-baked veggie side that’s crisp, salty, and easy to prepare alongside the main course.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach store surprisingly well — just be sure to cool everything before packing it up.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: While cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, this one holds up reasonably well. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the meat and sauce in advance, then just cook the pasta fresh before serving to keep the texture spot on.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these numbers are approximations per serving (based on 6 servings total):

Calories: 620
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 790mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

This dish leans into comfort food territory — rich and satisfying — but thanks to the spinach and protein, it still brings balance to your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?

No problem! You can substitute with penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds sauce well.

Can I make this dish without sausage?

Yes! You can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based protein instead. The sausage adds depth, but the recipe still works without it.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream for the sauce. Be sure to check labels on sausage for hidden dairy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the meat and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Just cook the pasta fresh and combine everything before serving to avoid mushy texture.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water when reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to life.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Italian sausage is ideal — sweet or spicy based on your preference. You can also use chicken sausage or plant-based sausage as alternatives.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions that won’t clash with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes — kids love the creamy pasta and mild flavors. You can skip the red pepper flakes if you’re worried about spice.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is pure weeknight magic — cozy, rich, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dish brings comfort and indulgence in equal measure. It’s flexible, forgiving, and fast — everything a great pasta dish should be.

Stay tuned — next up is your printable version so you can bring this recipe right into the kitchen.