Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of comforting meal that instantly becomes a family favorite. Think tender strands of spaghetti wrapped in a velvety, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and herbs, then topped with spicy sausage and sautéed spinach. It’s indulgent yet balanced, hearty without being heavy.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish brings together everyday ingredients with gourmet-level flavor. The melted cheese marries the meat and pasta together beautifully, and the buttery garlic finish gives every bite a mouthwatering depth that’s hard to resist.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless and delicious, a few tools make all the difference:

• Large Pot: Crucial for boiling spaghetti evenly without clumping.
• Deep Sauté Pan or Skillet: Needed for browning the Italian sausage and sautéing garlic and spinach.
• Tongs or Pasta Fork: Ideal for stirring and tossing the pasta without breakage.
• Box Grater: For grating fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for optimal melt and texture.
• Colander: Draining the pasta effectively ensures it doesn’t become soggy.

Having these tools at hand keeps your workflow smooth and helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients from pan to plate.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish, its texture holds the sauce perfectly.
• Italian Sausage: Brings a spicy, meaty flavor that stands out.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color and a bit of earthy nutrition, balancing the richness.
• Garlic: Infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and depth.
• Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the rich sauce; choose unsalted to control seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for the creamy consistency that coats every noodle.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and depth.
• Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the garlic without burning.

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How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a deep skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same pan, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it starts to simmer. Lower the heat and add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until completely melted into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the pan and toss in the cooked spaghetti. Mix well until every strand is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

For the best presentation, serve this dish piping hot, straight from the skillet into shallow pasta bowls. Top each serving with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat. A side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad turns this into a complete, satisfying meal.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Use sweet or mild Italian sausage instead of spicy, and skip any red pepper flakes.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work great with this sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and sausage ahead, then boil the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Combine and heat everything just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use a plant-based butter and cream alternative, and opt for dairy-free shredded cheese.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat with extra cream and expect a slightly softer pasta texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this cheesy garlic butter spaghetti, you’ll definitely want to check out these other pasta night champions:

• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for a sweet and smoky kick.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving chicken in a rich garlic base.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a cheesy, baked pasta twist.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a hybrid of two comfort food legends.
• Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta when you’re ready to turn up the heat.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did you use kale instead of spinach? Add a splash of wine to the sauce? Leave a comment and share your twist.

Questions welcome, too—we all cook better together.

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