If you are craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It strikes the perfect balance of rich, buttery garlic sauce, hearty Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with tender spaghetti and topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheese. The flavors blend beautifully to create a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing distinct flavors and textures that turn this dish into a memorable meal. Fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of green and a tender bite, while the garlic and butter create a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Italian sausage injects savory richness, and the cheeses melt into a golden, bubbly topping that’s seriously irresistible.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Perfectly holds the garlic butter sauce and cheese for a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds bold, spiced flavor and a meaty texture that makes this dish hearty.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Brightens the dish with color and nutrients while balancing the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an irresistible aroma and depth to the buttery sauce.
- 4 tbsp butter: Creates a silky sauce that coats the spaghetti and complements the sausage perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce: Provides a tangy base that blends beautifully with the Italian herbs.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that brings everything together.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish’s golden crust.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the sausage and sautéing the garlic perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that elevates the tomato sauce and sausage.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that livens up the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it reaches al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will be a secret weapon to loosen and perfect the sauce texture later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Let it brown nicely, which brings out its rich flavor. Once browned through, drain any excess grease so the dish doesn’t get oily.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Wilt Spinach
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step lets the garlic infuse the butter without burning. Immediately add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which contributes freshness and a slight earthiness to the dish.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer briefly so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with your sauce and sausage mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat each strand with that garlicky, buttery tomato goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve a luscious, silky consistency.
Step 6: Broil with Cheese
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly on top. Place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—this is the crowning glory of your meal!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out the hot, cheesy pasta straight from the oven. Optional garnishes like extra parmesan or fresh parsley add brightness and a finishing touch. Now, dig in and savor every comforting bite of this incredible Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make a difference! Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or chopped fresh parsley over your pasta to add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor. A few chili flakes can amp up the heat, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil lends silkiness.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers round out the meal with vibrant texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve this recipe in individual mini casserole dishes or even cast iron skillets to keep portions warm and bubbling. You can also layer it in a large pasta bake dish, letting everyone serve themselves straight from the oven—it makes dinner extra cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Frozen leftovers can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts stirring between each to retain creamy texture and avoid drying out the pasta. If you have access to a broiler, a quick crisp-up on top brings back that irresistible cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap it with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the pasta holds the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist that keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can adjust or omit entirely. This way, you control the spice level perfectly for your taste.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the sausage and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What cheese combinations work best here?
Using both mozzarella and parmesan provides melty creaminess and a sharp, nutty bite. You can also try provolone or fontina for variations, but these two are classic for a reason.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe—it’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple pasta dinner into a soul-satisfying celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish will win hearts and keep everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and you might just find a new go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is a hearty and flavorful dish combining savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with spaghetti. Finished with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this meal is perfect for a comforting dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce and Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce and add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Broil with Cheese: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter spaghetti hot, optionally garnished with extra parmesan or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavors.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and nutritional value, but baby spinach can be a good substitute.
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
- Broil cheese carefully to avoid burning—watch closely during the last minutes.
- Italian sausage can be substituted with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
