Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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Imagine a skillet full of spaghetti strands coated in garlicky butter, melting into creamy parmesan with golden bites of Italian sausage nestled between swirls of spinach. This dish isn’t just pasta, it’s an experience. One bite delivers deep savory richness, balanced by hints of spice from the sausage and mellowed by the silky smooth garlic butter sauce.

When you want comfort food that doesn’t rely on a red sauce or complex layers, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach rises to the occasion. It takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into something indulgent enough for a weekend dinner, yet quick enough for a Tuesday night.

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

This dish is pure weeknight magic. It’s quick to pull together, requires only one pot, and offers restaurant-quality flavor without fuss. The richness of the garlic butter sauce is offset beautifully by fresh spinach, and the Italian sausage brings a meaty, comforting punch. Every bite is a balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. And the best part? It reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use uncooked Italian sausage in casing—either sweet or spicy, depending on your heat preference. Remove the casing and crumble it directly into your pan for maximum browning and flavor. Pre-cooked sausage can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that flavorful fond that develops when you cook raw sausage from scratch.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This cheesy pasta dish is made with ingredients you probably already have at home, and each one plays a role in creating a rich, flavorful meal. The combination of sausage, garlic, and butter lays the foundation, while the cheese and spinach take it over the top.

• Spaghetti
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• Spinach (fresh baby spinach preferred)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage (removed from casing), breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and crispy around the edges. Transfer the sausage to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the grated parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Add the spinach and cooked sausage. Toss again until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, with extra parmesan on top if desired.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While this dish is easy to prepare, a few simple missteps can throw off the balance. First, don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is key to letting the sauce cling to the noodles without getting mushy. Be sure to reserve pasta water—it makes all the difference in achieving a silky sauce. When browning sausage, give it time to develop a good crust for the best flavor. And never burn the garlic—a golden sizzle is all you need.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish feeds about four people generously and is perfect for both casual dinners and low-key entertaining. Serve it straight from the skillet while it’s still hot and creamy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft inside—perfect for scooping up the sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery bite adds contrast and freshness to the rich pasta.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized flavor stands up well against the cheesy sauce.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil keep things light and flavorful.

Grilled Asparagus

Charred and vibrant, it cuts through the richness beautifully.

Caesar Salad

Creamy and crisp, it pairs naturally with buttery pasta.

Balsamic Mushrooms

Earthy and tangy, they echo the umami of the sausage.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied Chianti or Zinfandel complements the bold, cheesy notes.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach, you might want to try more comforting pasta dishes. Here are some favorites you should definitely check out:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for sun-dried tomato richness.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta with creamy flavors that linger on the palate.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini if you want a chicken twist on garlic butter pasta.
• Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce for nostalgic, tomato-rich goodness.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach when you’re craving seafood with your cheese fix.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Swap the sausage? Maybe tossed in cherry tomatoes? I’m always curious how others bring their twist to the table.

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Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, cozy, and packed with flavor. From the savory sausage to the rich garlic butter sauce, each forkful is layered with indulgence. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple on your meal rotation. Creamy comfort with just enough green to feel good about—what more could we ask for?

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