Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is one of those magical dinners that feels like a hug in a bowl. The aroma of sizzling garlic and sausage fills your kitchen while the buttery noodles wrap every bite in comfort. This dish comes together quickly, yet feels like something you might order at your favorite cozy Italian bistro.

The combination of creamy cheese, bold Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach creates a harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers to brighten up your week, this recipe is satisfying, comforting, and utterly delicious.

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

This recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to serve to guests. The garlic butter base infuses the spaghetti with rich, savory depth, while the sausage and cheese bring heartiness and creaminess. Fresh spinach adds balance, color, and a hint of earthiness that makes each forkful feel wholesome.

There’s also plenty of room to make it your own. Swap in your favorite sausage, play with different greens, or add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it never lets you down.

What Kind of Italian Sausage Should I Use?

You can go as mild or as spicy as you like here. Mild Italian sausage keeps the dish kid-friendly and approachable, while hot Italian sausage gives it an extra kick that spice lovers will appreciate. If you prefer poultry, turkey or chicken Italian sausage are great leaner alternatives. Just make sure you use uncooked sausage, so it browns beautifully and releases all that savory flavor into your skillet.

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

To make this spaghetti dish sing, you’ll need a handful of flavor-packed ingredients. Each one brings a special element, from creamy richness to savory depth. These are simple, everyday staples that turn into something extraordinary together.

• Spaghetti
• Italian sausage
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Baby spinach
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove the sausage from its casing and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the garlic butter, tossing to coat. Return the sausage to the skillet, add the spinach, and toss everything together until the spinach wilts. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring gently as the cheeses melt. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help everything come together.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common misstep is overcooking the spaghetti. You want it al dente so it holds up when tossed in the buttery sauce. Overcooked noodles can get mushy and lose their charm.

Another pitfall? Not saving your pasta water. That starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a cohesive sauce. It helps everything cling beautifully to the noodles.

Also, make sure you brown the sausage properly. Don’t rush this step. The caramelized bits that form in the pan add major flavor.

And lastly, avoid adding the spinach too early. You want it to wilt gently in the hot pasta, not turn soggy from overcooking.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This recipe serves 4 to 5 people comfortably, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it right from the skillet with a generous grating of Parmesan on top.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture.

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

Crusty Garlic Bread

Nothing pairs better than golden, buttery garlic bread to scoop up every bit of cheesy pasta.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette offers the perfect contrast to this rich and creamy dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and keeps the meal green-focused without clashing with the spinach in the pasta.

Bruschetta

Fresh tomato and basil flavors lighten up the plate and work great as an appetizer.

Caprese Skewers

Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers echo the Italian theme in bite-sized form.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting bowl of tomato soup makes this dinner feel like a warm Italian hug.

Grilled Zucchini

Charred edges and tender slices of zucchini bring smoky balance to this cheesy pasta meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed pasta recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a luscious cream sauce.

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a garlicky twist with tender chicken and cheesy sauce.

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you’re craving something hearty and super simple.

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if seafood is more your thing but you still want that cheesy goodness.

• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow-cooked version that hits all the comfort food notes.

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 use hot sausage or keep it mild? Did you sneak in more greens or add a splash of cream?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Got questions? Ask away — let’s make dinner better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich without being heavy, easy to make but loaded with flavor, and flexible enough to match your mood or pantry. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish promises to satisfy every craving and bring smiles to the table.

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