Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

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Craving something rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach might just become your next comfort food obsession. Picture this: seared sausage and ground beef mingling in a velvety garlic butter sauce, hugged by perfectly cooked penne and wilted spinach, then finished with bubbling mozzarella on top. It hits every note of savory, creamy, and a little spicy.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for the family or need a make-ahead dish that reheats like a dream, this recipe delivers full-bodied flavor in every bite. And the best part? You don’t need restaurant skills to pull it off—just a handful of tools and some pantry staples. Let’s dive into what you need to get started.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach, having the right tools not only makes your prep smoother but enhances the final texture and flavor.

12-inch Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: This is where all the flavor building begins. Browning sausage and beef needs even heat distribution, and a large skillet ensures there’s enough room to avoid steaming.

Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: Use a deep pot with plenty of salted water to cook penne to that ideal al dente bite.

Colander: Essential for draining pasta. Save a splash of that starchy water—it helps emulsify the sauce later.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up sausage and beef without damaging your skillet.

Baking Dish (Optional): If you want to bake it at the end for that golden cheese crust, a casserole or baking dish is key.

Box Grater: For shredding mozzarella fresh, which melts way better than pre-shredded.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This dish may look indulgent, but it comes together with a smartly curated list of ingredients that each bring something important to the table.

Ground Beef – Brings a rich, savory base that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.

Italian Sausage – Adds bold, herby notes and a little spicy kick that lifts the entire dish.

Penne Pasta – The ideal pasta shape here. Its ridges and hollow centers hold onto all that luscious sauce.

Fresh Spinach – Lightens the dish with earthy freshness and blends seamlessly into the creamy base.

Garlic – Freshly minced for maximum flavor. Garlic is the soul of the butter sauce.

Butter – Rich and indulgent, forming the base of the sauce and enhancing every bite.

Heavy Cream – Brings the silkiness that binds everything together. No shortcuts here.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds saltiness and depth. A little goes a long way in rounding out the flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts over the top to give that irresistible cheese pull and golden crust.

Salt & Pepper – Simple, essential seasonings to make everything pop.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who like a bit of heat.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and sausage until fully browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the parmesan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss in the Spinach

Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. It should still have a fresh green hue.

Step 5: Cook and Combine Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce and meats. Toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 6: Top with Mozzarella and Broil

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Watch it closely!

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes it a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, when the cheese is still melted and gooey.

Leftovers? Absolutely. This dish stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave covered or pop it in the oven until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk if you want to restore some of the original creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne is great, but rigatoni, ziti, or rotini all work well. Just pick something sturdy that holds sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate before broiling. When ready to serve, just add the mozzarella and broil to reheat and melt the cheese.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. For the meat, consider using lean ground beef or turkey.

What’s the best cheese to use on top?

Mozzarella is classic for melting, but provolone or fontina can offer great flavor and melt just as beautifully.

Can I freeze this dish?

It freezes okay, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What can I add for more veggies?

Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers blend seamlessly and amp up the nutrition.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

You might also love the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which leans into that meaty-cheesy combo with a playful pasta twist. Or check out the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti—a crowd-pleasing comfort classic that’s rich and easy to prep.

For something with a bit of flair, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni offers layers of creamy garlic indulgence with baked sausage pockets. And if you want to switch things up with a hint of spice, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe is a flavor bomb.

Another one to bookmark? The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, especially when you’re after something cozy but still crave that cheesy richness.

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When you make it, I’d love to know how it went. Did you use sweet or spicy sausage? Any twists or add-ins you tried? Drop a comment below or tag me on Pinterest!

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