If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a creamy, comforting sauce, then you are absolutely going to love this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe. It’s a sensational pasta meal that brings together tender penne pasta, hearty ground beef and Italian sausage, a velvety garlic butter sauce, and fresh baby spinach for a lovely pop of color and nutrition. This recipe manages to be luxurious and indulgent while still feeling like a warm, satisfying home-cooked dinner that anyone can make in less than an hour. Trust me, once you dig in, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly delightful about this recipe is how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is, working together to create layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the savory sausages to the fresh spinach and creamy sauce, each element plays a starring role to bring this dish to life.
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta: The star of the dish, offering a perfect shape to hold the sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the pasta water and pasta itself.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the meats and adding a smooth base flavor.
- 12 ounces Italian Sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spiced depth; remember to remove casings before cooking.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Opt for 85% lean for best flavor and juiciness without too much fat.
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Crucial for making that creamy, buttery garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced finely to release that irresistible aroma and flavor when cooked.
- 1 cup Beef Broth: Use low sodium to maintain control over the saltiness of the dish.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, silky texture you’ll want to savor.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
- 4 cups Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, green brightness and a nutritional boost.
- Black Pepper: To taste; it brings warmth and balance to the creamy sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Just a pinch if you like a little kick.
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Perfect for adjusting sauce consistency while keeping it silky.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start with bringing a large pot of water to a roaring boil and salt it generously with the kosher salt. This step is crucial since the salted water seasons the pasta itself, giving it flavor even before mixing with the sauce. Cook your penne pasta until just al dente—usually between 10 to 12 minutes—to retain that perfect firmness. Before draining, scoop out and save one cup of the starchy pasta water. This magical ingredient helps bind your sauce to the pasta later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your Italian sausage and ground beef. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon, letting it brown beautifully and develop rich caramelized bits on the pan. Those browned bits are flavor gold and will enhance your sauce later. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down a bit to medium, then add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and stir intermittently for about 30 to 60 seconds—just until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, so you get that lovely mellow sweetness without bitterness. Next, pour in the beef broth slowly, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all those wonderful brown bits from searing the meat. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Here’s where the magic of creaminess really kicks in. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it’s melted and forms a luscious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of penne.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Season
Now for a lush green twist — toss in the fresh baby spinach and stir just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. It lightens the dish beautifully in both color and texture while adding a subtle freshness. Season the entire sauce with salt, black pepper, and if you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors blend harmoniously.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce and tender meat mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat each pasta tube in that dreamy sauce. Use your reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick—this not only thins but also helps the sauce cling better to the penne. Do a final taste test and adjust seasoning if needed before plating up.
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper for dazzling presentation and an extra burst of flavor. For a splash of color and mild zing, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves right before serving. These small touches elevate the dish and make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy pasta pairs fantastically with crisp sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness, while warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add texture and earthiness without overwhelming the star pasta dish.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl for cozy gatherings, letting everyone dig in and share the joy. Or, plate individual portions attractively with a swirl of sauce around the penne and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a restaurant-worthy touch. Adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes right before serving gives that final flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cream and cheese, it’s best enjoyed fresh but properly stored, it still tastes great reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely first and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture of the spinach might soften further. When freezing, consider leaving out the spinach and adding fresh spinach during reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, try substituting the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter, and swap heavy cream and Parmesan for coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind, the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the pasta and meat sauce separately in advance and combine them just before serving. Keep pasta and sauce stored separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps maintain pasta texture and makes reheating easier.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, but you can add red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer some heat. Feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance—just a pinch adds a nice warmth without overpowering the creamy flavors.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
Ground pork seasoned with fennel seeds, paprika, and garlic can mimic Italian sausage flavor if you can’t find pre-seasoned sausage. Alternatively, feel free to use spicy chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter take.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe a go because it checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat for family dinners or anytime you need a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Indulgent Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This indulgent creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is a deliciously rich and comforting pasta dish. Featuring al dente penne enveloped in a luxurious garlic butter cream sauce, combined with savory Italian sausage and ground beef, fresh baby spinach, and plenty of parmesan. It’s an easy yet impressive meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Meat
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 12 ounces Italian Sausage (casings removed)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (85% lean)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the garlic butter base: Lower heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and simmer: Slowly pour in the beef broth while scraping the pan to release the flavorful browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Incorporate spinach: Fold in the baby spinach and cook, stirring, until it wilts, about 1–2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to reserve pasta water as its starchiness helps adjust and thicken the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
