Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 3 cups fresh spinach; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the kind of dinner you dream about on a busy weekday. The kind that wraps you in a cozy hug, loaded with rich, garlicky flavor and that perfect blend of savory ground beef and hearty Italian sausage. The sauce? Silky and luscious, clinging to every piece of penne pasta like it was made for it. Fresh spinach sneaks in a burst of green goodness, making you feel just a little better about going back for seconds. Or thirds.

This isn’t just a meal, it’s a statement. It tells your taste buds you’re not settling for bland or boring tonight. It delivers comfort, a little indulgence, and a whole lot of flavor all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this penne recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

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

This pasta has everything going for it. It’s creamy, it’s garlicky, it’s packed with layers of meaty goodness and wilted spinach that balances the richness. You don’t need a dozen ingredients or complicated techniques either. One skillet, one pot, and about 30 minutes. That’s it. And the results? Absolute magic.

Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers (if you have any) are just as dreamy. Whether you’re serving this to your family, hosting a dinner with friends, or just treating yourself, it’s that dish that makes everyone feel spoiled.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is ideal here because its ridges catch all the creamy garlic butter sauce, creating the perfect bite every time. But you can absolutely swap it out depending on what you have on hand. Rigatoni or rotini also work beautifully. If you’re leaning gluten-free, opt for a sturdy GF pasta that holds its shape and texture well. The key is to choose a pasta that complements the richness and doesn’t get lost in the sauce.

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

This dish leans on simple, flavorful ingredients to create layers of richness and depth. Nothing too fancy, but every component brings something important to the pan.

Penne Pasta
Ground Beef
Italian Sausage
Fresh Spinach
Garlic Cloves
Butter
Heavy Cream
Parmesan Cheese
Salt
Black Pepper
Olive Oil

Each element plays a role: the penne for structure, the meats for heartiness, the spinach for freshness, and the creamy, garlicky sauce to tie everything together with a luxurious finish.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach 2

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Push the meat to one side of the skillet and melt the butter in the empty space. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the cream thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Spinach

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss in the spinach. Let it wilt into the sauce while stirring gently.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your penne according to package directions. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan if you like.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

It’s easy to get excited when a recipe is this comforting, but a few small missteps can throw off the flavor or texture. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Penne should be al dente so it holds up well once mixed with the sauce. Another is skipping the step where you sauté the garlic in butter – it’s what gives the dish its signature depth. Also, be sure to let the cream simmer a bit before adding cheese to avoid curdling. And finally, don’t skip draining excess grease from the cooked meats or the sauce may turn overly oily.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top. A slice of garlic bread or a crisp side salad pairs beautifully.

To store, let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

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

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread, lightly toasted with butter and herbs.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a zesty dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out a nutty flavor that adds great contrast.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze make a fresh, light starter.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These caramelized veggies offer a sweet-tangy contrast.

Creamy Tomato Soup

It might seem unexpected, but a small bowl of tomato soup can add comforting warmth and a different texture.

Herbed Focaccia

Soft, dimpled focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt is a flavorful companion.

Antipasto Platter

A little cured meat, olives, and marinated artichokes on the side can elevate dinner into a mini Italian feast.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into creamy, flavor-packed pastas like this one, here are some others that belong on your table:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for an ultra-savory, love-at-first-bite experience.

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you’re in the mood for something garlicky with sun-dried tomatoes.

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a seafood twist on creamy comfort.

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving that garlic butter flavor in a one-pan protein-rich meal.

• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another spin on beef and pasta simplicity.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or maybe use kale instead of spinach? Did you sneak in a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on my dishes. Questions are welcome too – let’s make every dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight dinners and creamy pasta dishes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite way to enjoy comfort food.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is what happens when bold flavors meet comfort food in the best way. It’s rich, hearty, and comes together with just enough ease to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply feeding your craving, this is a pasta that delivers every single time.