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Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach


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

Description

A comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish made with garlic butter, savory Italian sausage, wilted spinach, and topped with melty cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight indulgence or an easy dinner-party showstopper.


Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cups baby spinach

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to low. In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Return sausage to the pan and mix well.

5. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss with the garlic butter mixture. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

6. Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, grate cheese fresh from the block. It melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.

Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps bind the sauce and adds starchy creaminess.

Want extra crisp on top? Add a few breadcrumbs over the cheese before broiling.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop + Broil
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 640
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: garlic butter spaghetti, sausage pasta, baked spaghetti