Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate easy dinner idea for any night of the week. With bold Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a rich garlic butter cheese sauce, it’s a quick and comforting food idea that feels gourmet but takes under 40 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pasta dish, a quick weeknight dinner, or a new twist on classic spaghetti, this easy recipe delivers serious flavor in every bite. Perfect for those craving satisfying dinner ideas or hearty, cheesy pasta with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some grease in the pan.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan, then add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. If needed, deglaze the pan with a splash of pasta water.

5. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted into a smooth sauce.

6. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper if using.

7. Add sausage back to the skillet. Toss in cooked spaghetti and mix until the pasta is fully coated. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify and bind the sauce beautifully.

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half, but expect a thinner sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: cheesy spaghetti, garlic butter pasta, sausage pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta dish