Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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Craving something cheesy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying? This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of comfort food that wins hearts at first bite. The golden strands of pasta are coated in a luscious butter-garlic sauce, wrapped around seasoned sausage, and tangled with tender spinach. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a dish that doubles as tomorrow’s lunch, this one-skillet wonder brings together creamy cheese, savory sausage, and fresh greens in a way that feels both rustic and a bit gourmet. You’ll want to twirl every last bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For this recipe, efficiency and simplicity are key. You don’t need fancy tools, but a few essentials will elevate your cooking experience:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where all the magic happens. A wide skillet ensures even browning of the sausage and enough room to toss everything together.
• Pasta Pot with Strainer: To boil your spaghetti. Having a built-in strainer or colander makes draining easier and safer.
• Microplane or Grater: For finely grating fresh Parmesan or Pecorino. The finer the cheese, the easier it melts into your sauce.
• Garlic Press or Chef’s Knife: A garlic press brings out bold flavor instantly, but finely mincing with a sharp knife works just as well.
• Tongs or Pasta Fork: To easily toss and lift spaghetti without breaking the strands.

The goal is smooth multitasking: while the pasta boils, your sausage and garlic butter can come together. A bit of prep and the right tools help turn a comforting meal into a streamlined kitchen win.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Each component in this dish plays a flavorful role, so let’s break down why they matter:

• Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice, perfect for clinging onto that garlicky, cheesy butter sauce.
• Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Adds richness, spice, and meaty flavor depth. Browning it enhances its texture and aroma.
• Fresh Garlic: The backbone of the butter sauce. When sautéed, it becomes nutty and aromatic.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates the velvety base of the sauce and carries the garlic flavor.
• Baby Spinach: Offers a fresh, slightly earthy contrast. It wilts beautifully into the warm pasta.
• Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Cheese: Adds sharp, salty umami. Melts into the pasta to create a creamy coating.
• Heavy Cream (optional): A splash creates extra creaminess but isn’t essential.
• Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: For seasoning balance and a peppery finish.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A hint of heat if you’re using mild sausage.

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How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your skillet over medium-high. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook until deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate but leave behind the flavorful drippings.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t let it burn; you want golden, not bitter.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the baby spinach and stir until just wilted. It will seem like a lot at first but reduces quickly.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Return the sausage to the pan. Toss everything gently while sprinkling in grated cheese. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy, creamy coating.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish with cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and more cheese on top. Serve hot and twirl away!

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Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish is best served immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the garlic butter aroma is fresh. Plate it up with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and perhaps a touch of lemon zest for brightness if you’re feeling fancy.

Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light arugula salad to balance the richness. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal but versatile enough to be part of a bigger spread.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of water or cream helps loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti is ideal for this sauce, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work beautifully.

What if I don’t eat pork?

You can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sausage and garlic butter base ahead. Combine with cooked pasta just before serving.

Is it okay to skip the cream?

Yes! The cheese and pasta water alone create a silky sauce. Cream adds richness but isn’t required.

How can I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not ideal since the texture of spinach and cheese sauce may change. For best results, enjoy within a few days of making.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving the cozy richness of this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach, here are more recipes you might want to plate up next:

Try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for another hearty skillet option that’s perfect for weeknights. Or dig into the ultra-comforting Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers heat and creaminess beautifully.

For a creamier and classic take, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti hits the spot with its gooey baked topping. And if you’re into layered pasta dishes, the Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna combines richness with texture in each bite.

Lastly, don’t miss the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni — it’s another flavor-packed twist that features a similar creamy garlic profile with a bold pasta shape.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your pasta or comfort food boards for later. Just hit that Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go extra cheesy? Add mushrooms or swap in kale? Leave a comment and share your tweaks.

And if you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest – LadyPlate. It’s full of craveable ideas.

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