Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

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Silky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate comfort food with a savory edge. This dish combines seared sausage bites, juicy ground beef, tender penne pasta, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. A handful of spinach adds freshness and balance to the rich, meaty flavors, while melty mozzarella brings everything together in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe promises hearty satisfaction in every bite.

The combination of textures is what really sets this pasta apart. The slight crisp on the sausage, the creamy sauce coating each piece of penne, and the vibrant green flecks of spinach create a perfectly balanced experience. With a bold garlic butter flavor leading the way, and a touch of spice from the sausage, this dish feels both indulgent and energizing. It’s an easy dinner idea you’ll want to keep on repeat—especially when comfort food cravings strike.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

• Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Ready in under an hour, yet packed with restaurant-quality depth.
• Comfort Food Heaven: Creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and rich meats bring pure satisfaction.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and might even taste better the next day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a casual dinner.
• Balanced with Greens: Spinach adds nutrition and freshness to the dish.
• Customizable: Swap the meats or pasta type to fit your preferences.

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

To bring Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach to life, you won’t need a fancy kitchen—just a few key tools that make all the difference in both speed and flavor.

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your main workstation. A large surface helps you brown the sausage and beef evenly while also giving room to simmer the sauce. Go for one with high sides to avoid splatter.
• Pot for Boiling Pasta: A deep pot with ample space ensures the penne cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together. Salt your water generously here—this is your first chance to season the pasta.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta. Keep a cup of pasta water before draining—it can help thin or extend your sauce if needed.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up ground beef and scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing garlic and slicing spinach if using fresh leaves.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precision matters when creating a creamy garlic butter sauce—especially when dealing with dairy and cheese.
• Whisk: Useful for blending cream into the butter and cheese for a smooth, lump-free sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Pre-Chop and Measure: Have all your ingredients ready before you start. This dish comes together quickly once the meat hits the pan.
• Room Temperature Cream: Take the cream out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before using. Cold cream can split if added too fast to the hot pan.
• Brown the Meats Separately: To develop the best texture and flavor, sear sausage and beef in batches. Crowding the pan will steam rather than brown them.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just to al dente—it’ll absorb flavor from the sauce later without becoming mushy.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff here. Fresh minced garlic makes a massive difference in flavor when it’s the backbone of the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Just a splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick before serving.
• Let the Cheese Melt Off the Heat: Once everything is mixed, turn off the heat before stirring in cheese. This keeps it gooey, not gritty.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich, comforting dish. Feel free to tweak quantities based on your preferences or serving size!

Pasta & Protein:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
• ½ lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

Sauce Base:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for that buttery, rich foundation)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh, not pre-chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for ultra-creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts beautifully)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds salty depth)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil)

Greens & Extras:

• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped; baby spinach works best)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but recommended for a kick)
• Olive oil for sautéing

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Chopped parsley
• Crushed red pepper or a drizzle of chili oil for heat

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Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Break the Italian sausage into chunks directly into the hot pan (no need to shape into meatballs). Sear until deeply browned and crispy on the edges, about 5–6 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the cooked beef. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

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Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce starts to thicken.

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Step 6: Add Spinach and Mozzarella

Fold in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and gently stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and gooey.

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Step 7: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the pan, along with the drained penne. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until silky.

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Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy penne and top with extra sausage, Parmesan, and optional red pepper or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

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Notes

• Pasta Water Is Your Best Friend: That starchy reserved liquid is gold for adjusting sauce consistency without thinning the flavor. Use it sparingly as needed.
• Mozzarella Goes Last: Always stir in mozzarella after removing the pan from heat—this keeps it smooth and stretchy rather than clumpy.
• Double It for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it great for batch cooking or weekday lunches.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, it continues to cook slightly when tossed in hot sauce. Aim for just al dente in the boiling water phase.
• Adding Cream to High Heat: Cream can curdle if the pan is too hot. Lower the heat before adding and stir continuously.
• Skipping the Browning Step: The rich, caramelized bits from sausage and beef are flavor bombs—don’t rush this part!
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: They often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated is always best for sauces.
• Drowning the Pasta: The sauce should cling, not pool. If it’s too watery, simmer a bit longer or hold back on adding pasta water.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Brown meats in batches if necessary to ensure a crispy sear, not a steam bath.
• Underseasoning Early: Layer seasoning during the meat and sauce stages—not just at the end.
• Forgetting Texture Balance: Crisp sausage and tender spinach give contrast—don’t overcook everything into a single texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This rich, flavorful pasta dish shines on its own—but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re planning a full dinner spread or just want something light on the side, these options will complement the dish beautifully.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan. Its peppery bite cuts through the richness.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil and sea salt for a healthy, savory contrast.

4. Caesar Salad

Classic and creamy with a zing of lemon—this salad mirrors the dish’s richness while adding crisp texture.

5. Grilled Asparagus

Charred asparagus spears bring a fresh, earthy layer that balances the butter and cream in the pasta.

6. Crusty Artisan Bread

Great for tearing and dipping. Serve warm with olive oil or a pat of butter.

7. Antipasto Platter

Make it a full Italian-themed meal with cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses.

8. Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Sauté mushrooms with balsamic vinegar and thyme—they offer an umami-rich companion to the beef and sausage.

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Storage Instructions

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but note that cream-based sauces may slightly change in texture. If freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups approx.
• Diet: Not vegetarian or vegan. Can be modified with plant-based alternatives.
• Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipe, sausage pasta, garlic butter sauce, comfort food

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne is great for holding sauce, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

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2. What’s the best sausage to use?

Italian sausage (either spicy or sweet) works best. You can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based alternatives.

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3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything a day ahead—store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

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4. How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce tightens up too much, simply stir in a little of the reserved pasta water or a splash of cream while reheating.

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5. Can I make it less rich or lighter?

To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, or add extra spinach and veggies for balance.

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6. Is it gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

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7. Can I leave out the spinach?

You can! Spinach adds freshness and nutrients, but if you’re not a fan, the dish still tastes amazing without it.

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8. What if I don’t have mozzarella?

Shredded provolone or Monterey Jack can substitute for mozzarella. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or paneer.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is that go-to recipe for when you want something warm, bold, and ultra-satisfying. It’s hearty, quick enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. With just the right balance of protein, pasta, and creamy goodness—plus a sneaky serving of greens—it’s a comfort meal you’ll crave again and again.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, this pasta has the kind of flavor that sticks with you (in the best way). Make it once, and you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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