Craving something rich, cheesy, and utterly soul-satisfying? This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach is everything your pasta dreams are made of—creamy, bold, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Imagine tender strands of linguine tangled with browned beef and spicy sausage, all swirled together in a garlicky butter sauce. Melted mozzarella and wilted spinach tie it all together for a dinner that feels like comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or indulging in a cozy night in, this dish hits the spot.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine seamlessly, gather the following tools:

Large pot: Crucial for boiling the linguine evenly without clumping.
Large skillet or sauté pan: Where the magic happens—browning the meats, cooking down the garlic, and layering the flavors.
Colander: To drain your pasta perfectly while keeping some of the pasta water (you’ll need it for the sauce).
Wooden spoon or spatula: Gentle enough for stirring without breaking the meat chunks.
Box grater (optional): If you’re shredding your own cheese (highly recommended for better meltability).
Tongs: Ideal for tossing the pasta into the sauce and getting everything well coated.

Each tool ensures that the texture, heat, and balance of the ingredients are just right—a key to making the final dish feel luxuriously smooth and full-bodied.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Linguine pasta: This flat, ribbon-like pasta holds the buttery sauce perfectly, giving you the right bite with each forkful.
Ground beef: Adds savory depth and rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings seasoning and a bold, herby kick that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
Fresh spinach: Balances the richness with a touch of earthiness and vibrant green color.
Fresh garlic cloves: The backbone of the butter sauce—pungent, fragrant, and warming.
Unsalted butter: The base of our creamy sauce; it binds all the ingredients with its silkiness.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey ribbons, making each bite extra luscious.
Pasta water: Reserved from boiling the linguine, this starchy liquid helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat and color without overpowering.
Salt and black pepper: To taste; enhances and balances all the flavors.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, sauté ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully browned. Break up the meat, but leave some chunks for texture.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Lower the heat slightly. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the butter and allow it to melt, stirring to blend.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. The residual heat will soften the greens without overcooking them.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained linguine into the skillet. Sprinkle in shredded mozzarella and pour in some reserved pasta water. Toss gently with tongs to coat and melt the cheese into a silky sauce.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve immediately with extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Serve this indulgent linguine straight from the skillet while it’s still hot and melty. Pair it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a full meal. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a touch more mozzarella on top adds that extra layer of cheesy goodness just before serving.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.

Freezing is possible, but note that the texture of the spinach and the cheese sauce might change slightly. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of linguine?

Absolutely. Fettuccine or tagliatelle would work wonderfully, and even short pastas like penne or rigatoni will hold up to the creamy sauce and meat.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage is preferred—choose between mild or spicy based on your heat tolerance. You could also try a smoked sausage for a different flavor depth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it and toss with freshly cooked pasta and cheese.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes while cooking, or finish it with a drizzle of chili oil.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your sausage and cheese are also certified gluten-free.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. It won’t have the same vibrant texture as fresh, but it still works well.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy pasta dishes are your thing, you’re in great company here at LadyPlate.

You might love the creamy twist in the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce, or the smoky flavors in the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta. For something ultra-hearty, check out the Rigatoni Bolognese — a classic Italian favorite.

Looking for more richness? The Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells are a luxurious way to treat yourself midweek. And for spicy, savory warmth, don’t miss the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your favorite dinner boards for the next cozy night in. Just tap the Pin button.

If you make it, I want to hear all about it. Did you go spicy or stick with mild sausage? Did you use a different pasta? Drop a comment below or tag me in your posts—I’m always curious how your kitchen spins it.

And if you want more daily inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share comfort dinners, easy weeknight ideas, and crowd-pleasing favorites.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine is a crave-worthy, comforting pasta dish layered with flavor. It features linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with hearty beef, bold Italian sausage, wilted spinach, and melty mozzarella for a dinner that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to pull off.

Instructions

1. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break into chunks but leave some texture.

3. Reduce heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add butter and stir until melted.

4. Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.

5. Add drained linguine, mozzarella cheese, and some reserved pasta water. Toss to coat until the cheese melts and sauce is silky.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot, optionally topped with more cheese or olive oil.

Notes

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and a smoother sauce.

Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the linguine perfectly.

If reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the dish’s creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, cheesy linguine, beef sausage pasta