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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate comfort food pasta. This one-pan dish combines browned beef and sausage with a garlic butter cream sauce, tossed with penne and fresh spinach, and topped with melty mozzarella. Ideal for cozy family dinners or prepping ahead for indulgent leftovers.


Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound Italian sausage

12 ounces penne pasta

3 cups fresh spinach

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)


Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in parmesan cheese and let it simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Add spinach and stir until wilted but still vibrant in color.

5. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and meat mixture. Stir to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella over the top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.

Add a splash of reserved pasta water if your sauce gets too thick.

For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and extra crushed red pepper.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: American Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, beef penne, sausage pasta