Elevate your pasta night with Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti featuring Italian Sausage & Spinach! A comforting dish that’s both rich and satisfying, it combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the fresh taste of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce that clings to the spaghetti like a warm hug.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irresistible Flavors: The combination of garlic butter and Italian sausage creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot, making your dinner experience stress-free.
Customizable: You can easily adapt this dish to suit your dietary needs or personal tastes, making it great for everyone.
Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in enhancing the flavors and textures of this delectable dish.
Spaghetti: A classic pasta choice that provides the perfect base for our rich sauce.
Italian Sausage: Adds a savory depth and spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Fresh Spinach: Offers a vibrant color and a nutritious boost, balancing the richness of the dish.
Garlic: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Butter: Creates a luscious sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: For that cheesy finish, adding creaminess and a hint of nuttiness.
Olive Oil: Helps in sautéing the sausage and garlic, adding healthy fats and flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a delightful heat that complements the dish.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Variations for Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach! This dish is incredibly flexible and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for a hearty plant-based alternative or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the dish and add freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spinach
Once the sausage is cooked, add minced garlic and fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach is wilted.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Reduce the heat and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Gradually stir in some reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce, then mix in the cooked spaghetti.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Season
Finally, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated and heated through.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente spaghetti to prevent mushiness.
Adjust the Spice: Tailor the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach will enhance the flavor significantly.
Save Pasta Water: This starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top and add a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for an appealing finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a light arugula salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the spaghetti in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for a quick and delicious lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place it in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish without sausage?
Absolutely! You can use mushrooms or a plant-based sausage substitute for a vegetarian version.
How can I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
What type of pasta can I use?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like; bell peppers and zucchini work great!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is just what you need. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Elevate your pasta night with Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti featuring Italian Sausage & Spinach. A comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage with fresh spinach in a creamy garlic butter sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
12 oz spaghetti
Italian Sausage
1 lb Italian sausage
Fresh Spinach
4 cups fresh spinach
Garlic
4 cloves garlic, minced
Butter
4 tbsp butter
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil
2 tbsp olive oil
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Add Garlic and Spinach: Once the sausage is cooked, add minced garlic and fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach is wilted.
Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Gradually stir in some reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce, then mix in the cooked spaghetti.
Add Cheese and Season: Finally, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is evenly coated and heated through.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente spaghetti to prevent mushiness.
Adjust the Spice: Tailor the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach will enhance the flavor significantly.
Save Pasta Water: This starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:550
Sugar:2g
Sodium:800mg
Fat:32g
Saturated Fat:15g
Unsaturated Fat:5g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:50g
Fiber:3g
Protein:20g
Cholesterol:60mg
Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti, Italian Sausage, Spinach, Easy Pasta Recipe
