Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients for a comforting meal. The combination of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and fresh spinach creates a flavorful pasta that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the spinach. Cook until wilted.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
This dish is best served warm. You can place it on a large serving platter or divide it into bowls for individual servings. To enhance the flavors, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper on top before serving.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
If you have leftovers, let the spaghetti cool completely and place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a little extra cream or water to get the sauce creamy again.
Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.
Variation
You can easily add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the garlic for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be prepared in advance for easy lunches or dinners.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream, cheese, and butter to make the dish lighter, but the flavor and texture might change slightly.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
A delicious and satisfying pasta dish combining creamy cheese, savory sausage, and fresh spinach.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the spinach. Cook until wilted.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Notes
For a healthier option, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. This recipe is suitable for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg