When I think comfort food, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the first dish that comes to mind. The rich and velvety sauce made with butter, garlic, and a touch of cream wraps itself around perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, while the juicy, caramelized Italian sausage adds deep flavor to every bite. Spinach melts into the sauce like it was meant to be there all along, making this one-pot wonder both indulgent and satisfying.

I love making this on a weeknight when I need something hearty and soul-warming, but it’s just as welcome on a dinner party table with a glass of red wine nearby. It’s a fusion of rustic Italian flair with that cozy homemade twist—every bite is layered with buttery garlic richness, a bit of heat from the sausage, and the fresh lift of spinach.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

This pasta dish checks every box—creamy, savory, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying.

Quick and easy: It’s ready in under 40 minutes with simple steps.
One-pan friendly: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Balanced: It’s indulgent yet includes greens—hello spinach!
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for guests or picky eaters alike.
Customizable: Great base for adding veggies or switching proteins.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

I personally love using mild or spicy Italian sausage—it’s packed with herbs and just the right amount of fat to render beautifully in the pan, giving this pasta its rich, savory depth. If you prefer something leaner, you can go with turkey or chicken sausage, but I recommend sticking with the kind that comes in casing and removing it before cooking. This gives you those juicy, caramelized sausage crumbles that are impossible to resist.

You can also use pre-cooked sausage links in a pinch, just make sure to slice them and give them a good sear to get some browning. The real secret? Let the sausage brown deeply—it infuses the butter and garlic with an insane amount of flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is flexible, and a few smart swaps can make it fit your taste or dietary needs:

Pasta: Swap bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or fettuccine—anything that holds sauce well.
Sausage: Ground beef, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage all work well here.
Spinach: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard can be great substitutes.
Cream: If you’re dairy-free, use unsweetened coconut cream or a cashew-based cream.
Butter: Olive oil can be used instead, but butter adds that silky texture and richness.
Cheese: If you’re skipping dairy, try nutritional yeast or a plant-based parmesan alternative.

This recipe invites creativity without losing its comforting character.

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

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in layering flavor and texture into the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
The ridges and folds of bowtie pasta perfectly trap the creamy garlic butter sauce, delivering flavor in every bite.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
It brings bold, savory flavor and juicy texture that makes this dish so hearty and satisfying.
Ground Beef
Adds richness and a meaty bite to balance the sausage. Using both adds depth and variety.
Fresh Garlic
Essential. It infuses the butter and oil with intense aroma and gives the sauce its signature base.
Butter
Makes the sauce smooth and luxurious, while carrying the garlic and sausage flavors throughout the dish.
Heavy Cream
Gives the sauce its silky body and richness. It ties everything together with a luscious texture.
Fresh Spinach
Adds a hint of earthiness and balances the richness. It wilts right into the sauce and brings color and nutrients.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds umami and that sharp, salty finish that every good pasta dish deserves.
Salt & Black Pepper
Brings out the flavor of every ingredient—don’t skip seasoning!
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
A touch of heat brightens up the creaminess and adds excitement.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Beef

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage (removed from casing) and ground beef together. Break them up with a wooden spoon and let them brown deeply—this builds flavor. Once fully cooked and nicely seared, transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of the fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Don’t let it burn.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage and beef to the pan. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until fully coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy that creamy, garlicky goodness.

How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 35–40 minutes:

Pasta cooking time: 10 minutes
Browning the meats: 8–10 minutes
Making the sauce: 7–8 minutes
Final combining & simmering: 5–7 minutes

It’s fast enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Use room temperature cream: Cold cream can split when added to a hot pan. Let it sit out for a few minutes before using.
Let the sausage brown undisturbed: Don’t stir too much—browning adds flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta: You want it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Save pasta water: It’s liquid gold. Just a splash can help loosen the sauce without thinning it too much.
Freshly grate your cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Season in layers: Taste as you go, especially after adding the meat and cheese, to avoid over-salting.
Serve immediately: This pasta is best right after it’s tossed—creamy, hot, and full of flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a comforting dish like this has a few easy-to-make pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta
Always cook the bowtie pasta just to al dente—it will continue to soften once added to the hot sauce.
Not Draining Fat from the Meat
A little fat adds flavor, but too much can make the dish greasy. After browning the sausage and beef, remove excess grease before making the sauce.
Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks fast and can go from fragrant to bitter in seconds. Sauté it gently over medium heat.
Adding Cheese Too Quickly
Stir cheese in slowly with the heat on low to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Using Cold Ingredients
Cold cream or cheese can cause the sauce to separate. Let dairy come to room temp before adding it.
Skipping the Pasta Water
This helps emulsify and thicken the sauce naturally. Always save a little before draining.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

This pasta is rich and filling on its own, but here are a few dishes that complement it perfectly:

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the classic companion. It soaks up all that extra creamy sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness.

A Glass of Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot balances the savory sausage and creamy sauce.

Roasted Garlic Broccoli

Adds crunch and depth while sticking to the garlic-forward theme.

Marinated Cucumbers

Cool, tangy, and refreshing—great contrast to the warm, creamy pasta.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms pair wonderfully with the beef and add a nice umami boost.

Burrata with Tomatoes

Creamy burrata with juicy cherry tomatoes makes for a luxurious yet simple starter.

Lemon-Parmesan Asparagus

Adds a bright citrus note that helps balance the heaviness of the dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this creamy pasta reheat beautifully with a few easy tricks:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but you can easily loosen it when reheating.
Freezing: While it’s best fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Note: The texture of the cream sauce may change slightly when thawed.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 640
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 880mg

This dish is rich and filling, and easily satisfies both flavor and hunger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cream should I use for the sauce?

Use heavy cream for the creamiest, richest texture. If you prefer something lighter, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving. Just store the pasta and sauce together in the fridge, and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.

Is there a way to make this dish less heavy?

Absolutely. You can use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, skip the beef, and load it up with extra spinach or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Add it a little at a time while tossing the pasta to your preferred consistency.

Can I leave out the spinach?

Definitely. While it adds a nice balance, the pasta is still delicious without it. You can substitute with other greens or skip it altogether.

What’s the best way to add more vegetables?

You can sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the meat or add them to the sauce when it simmers.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your sausage. Use mild Italian sausage for less heat, or go spicy and add red pepper flakes for a kick. Totally adjustable!

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of meal that hits every craving—rich, comforting, garlicky, and full of satisfying texture. It comes together quickly, adapts to what you have in your kitchen, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a family dinner or a solo indulgence, this pasta always delivers.