Craving something rich, creamy, and totally satisfying for dinner tonight? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach might just become your new favorite weeknight indulgence. It wraps everything you love into one bowl: juicy seasoned beef, herby Italian sausage, tender bowtie pasta, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every bite.

What makes this dish unforgettable isn’t just the silky texture or savory depth. It’s the way all the components come together—the wilted spinach adding a pop of green freshness, the beef and sausage bringing bold, comforting protein, and the creamy parmesan-garlic blend tying it all up in a perfect bow(tie). This isn’t just pasta. It’s a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on this pasta masterpiece, you’ll want your kitchen prepped with the right tools to make each step smoother:

Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where all the magic happens. A deep pan allows room to brown meat, toss pasta, and build your creamy sauce without overflow.
Medium Pot for Boiling Pasta: Choose one that gives the bowties room to dance and cook evenly.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing the sausage and mincing garlic efficiently.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For gently folding the ingredients together and scraping up the tasty browned bits from the skillet.
Strainer or Colander: To drain the pasta without losing those al dente beauties down the drain.
Grater: Freshly grated parmesan makes all the difference in the flavor and melt quality of the sauce.

Having these ready saves time and avoids frustration, so you can focus on layering flavor and perfecting that creamy, garlicky bliss.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Its shape holds sauce perfectly, giving a balanced bite of meat, greens, and cream in every forkful.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty, juicy texture and deep umami flavor that anchors the dish.
Italian Sausage: Brings herby, spiced richness that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Fresh Garlic: The backbone of the flavor profile, releasing intense aroma and savoriness when sautéed.
Butter: Key to the luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and body, transforming garlic and butter into a dreamy coating.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty sharpness to round out the sauce and add creaminess.
Fresh Spinach: Lightens the dish with earthiness and color, perfectly balancing the richness.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and garlic evenly, lending a peppery hint.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Enhances all other flavors and sharpens each bite.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Boil and Set Aside

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add ground beef and sliced Italian sausage. Sauté until both are fully browned and slightly crispy at the edges. Remove excess grease, but keep a bit for flavor.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden (not burned).

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Wilt the Greens

Add fresh spinach and stir gently. The heat from the sauce will wilt it down in about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta

Add the drained bowtie pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the noodles evenly.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it melt into the sauce, adding extra creaminess.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Plate it up immediately while it’s hot and glossy. Garnish with a bit more parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This pasta is best served fresh off the stovetop while the sauce is creamy and warm. Plate it in shallow bowls to catch the sauce, and top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a touch of fresh parsley for a bright finish.

For leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and gently warm on the stovetop or microwave to bring the sauce back to life.

This dish also freezes well if stored without the spinach. Reheat on the stovetop and add fresh spinach right before serving for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this pasta lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the amount of butter slightly. You can also increase the spinach and skip the sausage if you’d like a leaner meal.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work beautifully. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds onto the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the Italian sausage. If you prefer a kick, go with spicy sausage. For a milder version, stick to sweet or mild Italian sausage.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. You can prep the pasta, cook the meat, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store each component separately and combine just before serving.

What can I serve with this?

A crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus all pair wonderfully with this hearty pasta.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, white beans, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

You might also love the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which is a close cousin to this recipe with a more classic tomato-meets-cheese twist. Or try the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce for a smoother, silkier white sauce experience.

Feeling like switching proteins? Check out the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni — a great way to remix the flavors. If you’re looking for pasta with an extra flavor punch, the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta packs just the right heat.

And if comfort is what you’re after, don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe — bold, cheesy, and fully satisfying.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you give it a go, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you double the garlic? Try baby kale instead of spinach? Leave a comment and share your twist.

For more comforting dinners, check out my daily posts on Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach combines juicy ground beef, spiced Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and farfalle pasta in a luscious garlic butter parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting, one-skillet meal perfect for cozy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then brown the ground beef and sliced Italian sausage. Cook until fully browned and edges begin to crisp. Drain excess grease.

3. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Cook for 1–2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Add spinach and stir gently until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

6. Return the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything to coat in the sauce.

7. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.