Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

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When dinner needs to be fast, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, nothing hits the spot like this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly with bold flavors that are hard to resist. Imagine juicy seasoned beef, flavorful Italian sausage, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked rotini all tied together with a garlicky butter sauce. It smells like comfort and tastes like you cooked for hours.

The beauty of this recipe is how simple ingredients become something extraordinary. It brings the soulfulness of home-cooked pasta dishes without the stress. The combo of garlic butter with two kinds of meat gives this pasta a delicious depth while spinach adds a burst of color and lightness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need something cozy after a long day, this pasta is a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini

This pasta recipe is the definition of comfort food that fits into a busy schedule. You don’t need to plan days ahead or spend an hour in the kitchen. Everything cooks in under 30 minutes, and the flavors are still rich and full-bodied. The savory blend of beef and sausage adds heartiness, while garlic butter gives the pasta an irresistible smoothness. Spinach tucks in a little green without making the dish feel too heavy. It’s perfect for picky eaters and pasta lovers alike.

What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?

Rotini is perfect for catching sauces in its spirals, which means every bite bursts with garlicky, buttery goodness. You can use traditional wheat rotini, whole wheat for a nuttier bite, or even gluten-free varieties if needed. The key is not to overcook it—a good al dente texture keeps the dish from turning mushy. And if you ever want to switch it up, penne or farfalle work beautifully too.

Ingredients for the Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish is built on everyday ingredients that bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The key is using ingredients that complement one another—the richness of beef, the spiced kick of sausage, and the velvety touch of garlic butter. Everything melds together into a satisfying, crave-worthy pasta.

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Fresh spinach
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Butter

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let it brown too much.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the spinach and stir until it just wilts. The heat from the pan should be enough to soften it quickly without overcooking.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained rotini into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir everything together, using a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen things up and help the butter sauce coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Serve warm and enjoy your quick, delicious pasta dinner.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The simplicity of this pasta makes it beginner-friendly, but there are a few spots where things can go sideways if you’re not careful. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Rotini should be al dente so it can hold its shape and soak in the sauce properly. Another pitfall is letting the garlic brown too much—burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter. When adding the spinach, resist the urge to add it too early; overcooked spinach loses its vibrancy and can become mushy. Finally, don’t skip draining the excess fat from the meat—a greasy pasta isn’t what you want.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta

This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini feeds about 4 hungry people, though it can stretch a bit more if you serve it with a side salad or bread. It makes a great standalone dish thanks to the protein and greens all in one skillet. If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious.

What to Serve With Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside, it complements the garlicky sauce perfectly.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad brings freshness and crunch to balance the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasting brings out a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the garlic butter.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a stick make for a light, no-fuss starter.

Antipasto Platter

A mix of marinated veggies, olives, and cured meats adds variety to your table.

Tomato Basil Soup

If you want to go full comfort mode, a warm bowl of tomato basil soup makes a cozy pairing.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Savory and cheesy, they make a great bite-sized side to round out your meal.

Grilled Zucchini

Light and summery, grilled zucchini slices bring extra veggies without overpowering the dish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this garlicky rotini checks all the boxes for your weeknight dinner goals, here are more dishes from Nina Dishes that bring similar cozy, flavor-packed vibes:

• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a dreamy one-pot dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re into creamy, love-at-first-bite pasta.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini when you want similar flavors with a chicken twist.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach if you’re craving seafood with creamy pasta.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another easy, savory favorite with bold garlic flavors.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy with the sausage or keep it mild? Did you sneak in extra veggies or double the garlic? I love hearing how these weeknight dishes become part of your routine.

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

Conclusion

Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach proves that dinner can be fast, flavorful, and comforting without sacrificing any of the richness we love in home-cooked meals. With its irresistible garlic butter base and hearty combo of meats and greens, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether it’s a busy Monday or a lazy Friday, this dish brings everyone to the table with happy appetites.

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