Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. With buttery garlic sauce coating every strand of pasta, spicy sausage for that meaty bite, and tender spinach adding just the right balance, it’s a deliciously easy dinner idea that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner recipe, cozy food idea, or just a new way to cook pasta—this one checks all the boxes. Perfect for anyone who loves hearty, creamy, and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until fully done and slightly crispy.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Push sausage to the side and add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir sausage and garlic butter together, then add heavy cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, cover with a lid, and let melt for 1–2 minutes. Serve hot and creamy.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, creamiest melt.
Don’t skip browning the sausage—it adds depth and flavor to the whole dish.
Reserve pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 960
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic butter pasta, Italian sausage spaghetti, creamy pasta, cheesy spaghetti