If there’s one dish I turn to when I need comfort in a bowl, it’s this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach. It’s rich, creamy, full of bold flavors, and feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’ve made this recipe countless times and it never fails to impress—whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself to a cozy night in. It’s one of those meals that’s simple to pull together, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The magic lies in the way everything comes together: garlicky butter coating every strand of spaghetti, tender crumbles of spicy Italian sausage, wilted spinach that brings a touch of green and freshness, and that final shower of melted cheese that ties it all together. The sauce is silky and indulgent, clinging to the pasta in the best possible way. You’ll want to grab a fork, twirl up a big bite, and dive right in.

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

This dish hits all the right notes—it’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. You’ll love it because:

It’s fast and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
The garlic butter flavor is rich without being overwhelming.
Italian sausage adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
Spinach gives it a boost of nutrients (and color!).
It’s incredibly filling and comforting.
Everyone—kids and adults alike—will ask for seconds.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best in Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

For this dish, I usually go with spicy Italian sausage—either bulk or links with the casing removed—because it adds a bold, savory heat that balances the creaminess of the cheese and butter. If you prefer something milder, sweet Italian sausage is a great alternative and still delivers that delicious herby flavor without the kick.

You could also experiment with other types like chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option, but keep in mind that they’re often a bit drier, so you might need a touch more butter or a splash of cream to maintain that luscious sauce consistency.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just using what you have on hand, this recipe is super flexible:

Pasta: Swap spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even a gluten-free option.
Sausage: Use ground beef, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian/vegan version (don’t forget vegan cheese and butter!).
Spinach: Kale or arugula work well too—just be sure to chop them finely and cook until tender.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that gooey pull, but provolone, fontina, or even cream cheese can offer a different creamy texture.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, go for a plant-based butter or olive oil, though the flavor will change slightly.

These swaps don’t compromise the soul of the dish—it still delivers that cozy, satisfying flavor that makes it a favorite.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Each ingredient in this dish brings something important to the table—flavor, texture, richness, or balance. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Spaghetti: The base of the dish, spaghetti holds onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Long pasta is ideal for twirling and soaking up flavor.
Italian Sausage: This is where the bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor comes from. It’s the protein and the seasoning powerhouse in one.
Butter: Essential for the garlic butter sauce. It adds richness and smooths out the spice of the sausage.
Garlic: The flavor anchor of the sauce—it infuses the butter and makes every bite aromatic and deeply savory.
Spinach: Adds a pop of green and freshness. It also balances the richness with a mild, slightly earthy taste.
Heavy Cream: Helps turn the butter and sausage drippings into a silky, indulgent sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce and gives it that irresistible stretchy, gooey quality.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the creamy elements.
Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning everything to taste.
Crushed Red Pepper (optional): If you want an extra kick of heat to elevate the sausage’s spice.

Every item works together to build a dish that’s rich, balanced, and totally addictive.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, but reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Cook until it’s deeply browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Once done, transfer it to a plate and leave a bit of the sausage grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of the whole dish.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Deglaze

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts. If the pan is dry, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water or a touch of cream to loosen any caramelized bits on the bottom—this adds depth to your sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if you like it spicy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage to the pan, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is fully coated in that creamy, cheesy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Serve Hot and Cheesy

Serve immediately, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella over the top. Let it melt slightly before digging in. A little chopped parsley for garnish wouldn’t hurt either.

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

This dish is weeknight-friendly and comes together quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes

The longest part is boiling the pasta and browning the sausage—everything else comes together in the same pan, making this a fast yet indulgent dinner option.

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

Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and gives you a smoother sauce compared to pre-shredded versions.
Don’t overcook the garlic. Burnt garlic turns bitter quickly—sauté just until fragrant.
Reserve that pasta water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s thickness and helping it cling to the pasta.
Let the sausage get crispy. Browning adds amazing flavor and texture—don’t rush it.
Taste as you go. The sausage and cheese are salty, so season gradually to avoid overdoing it.
Toss pasta in the sauce, don’t just pour it over. This ensures every strand is coated with all that cheesy, buttery goodness.
Serve it immediately. The sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s best eaten fresh from the pan.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes have a few traps to avoid. Here’s what to watch out for when making Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach:

Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is key. Overcooked spaghetti will get mushy when tossed in the hot sauce.
Using low-fat cream or milk: It can break when heated and won’t give you the velvety richness heavy cream provides.
Not draining excess sausage grease: Leave just enough for flavor—too much and your sauce gets greasy.
Adding cheese over high heat: It can curdle or clump. Lower the heat before stirring it in.
Skipping pasta water: Without it, the sauce may not stick well or may thicken too quickly.
Not seasoning in layers: Taste after each step—especially after adding sausage, cheese, and cream—to keep balance.

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

This dish is filling on its own, but these sides take the meal to the next level:

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A refreshing contrast to the richness—go for something lemony or with balsamic vinaigrette.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something light and fruity like a Pinot Noir pairs beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

Adds crunch and a mild bitterness that balances the cheesy flavors.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella keep things fresh and bright.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory, they complement the sausage and garlic.

Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini

A crispy, cheesy side that adds texture without overwhelming the dish.

Lemon-Herb Asparagus

Zesty and green—it cuts through the richness and brings in freshness.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach are a gift to your future self—but there are a few things to keep in mind when storing:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a little water or cream to loosen it back to its original consistency.
Freezing: Not ideal. Cream- and cheese-based sauces can separate or become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month and stir well when reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the sausage and garlic butter base in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used:

Calories: ~640
Protein: 27g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 860mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

This is definitely a rich and satisfying dish, so pair it with lighter sides if you’re watching your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without sausage?

Absolutely. You can skip the sausage entirely for a vegetarian version, or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives for a similar meaty feel.

What type of pasta works best besides spaghetti?

Fettuccine, linguine, or even short shapes like penne or rigatoni work great. Just make sure it’s something that holds onto the creamy sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach is fine. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to avoid watering down the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and check that your sausage and cheese are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Lower the heat before adding cheese and stir continuously. Also, use freshly grated cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would all blend beautifully into the dish without overpowering it.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a combo of milk and a bit of butter, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage you use. Spicy Italian sausage will bring some heat, but you can control it by choosing mild sausage and omitting the crushed red pepper.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is that kind of recipe that feels indulgent, but is incredibly easy to pull off. It’s a warm, satisfying, flavor-packed meal that checks all the boxes—comfort, speed, and crave-worthiness. Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner or serving guests, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation.

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