Imagine the heartiness of tender ground beef, the spice-kissed bite of seared Italian sausage, and the velvety touch of creamy garlic butter sauce all wrapping themselves around perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. This recipe brings all of that magic together in one skillet, with a handful of baby spinach for freshness and a swirl of melty cheese to seal the deal.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping an indulgent weeknight dinner, this pasta dish delivers cozy comfort and bold flavor in every bite. It’s rich without being heavy, creamy without drowning the ingredients, and a one-pan wonder you’ll want to make again and again.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get this meal on the table quickly and with maximum flavor, make sure you have the following tools ready:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This dish comes together in one skillet, so using a wide, deep pan is key for browning meats and simmering the sauce without crowding.
Pot for Boiling Pasta: A medium-large pot is essential to cook the bowtie pasta to al dente. Don’t forget to salt your water—it flavors the pasta!
Colander: For quick draining of the pasta without losing any of those perfect little bowties.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools help you stir the sausage and beef evenly without scratching your pan.
Grater: Fresh grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a luscious, creamy finish.

Having everything ready before you begin makes the whole cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

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

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Holds sauce beautifully and brings great texture to every bite.
Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and hearty protein to the dish.
Italian Sausage: Brings a spicy, herby depth that balances the creaminess.

Fresh Garlic: Infuses the entire sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Butter: The base of the sauce, it brings out the garlic and adds richness.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that smooth, velvety texture in the sauce.

Cream Cheese: Adds tang and enhances the creaminess.
Shredded Mozzarella: Melts into the sauce for stretchy, gooey indulgence.
Baby Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the hot pasta, adding freshness and nutrients.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle heat and extra pop.
Salt & Pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Sear the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and let the garlic become fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cheese

Fold in baby spinach until just wilted. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle in mozzarella and stir to combine.

Step 5: Cook and Combine Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and add directly to the skillet. Toss to coat pasta evenly in the sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta Dish

Serve this pasta straight from the skillet while it’s hot and cheesy. Garnish with extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of parmesan for a final flourish. A side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad balances the richness perfectly.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture. Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy content, but it can be done if tightly wrapped for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Hot or mild Italian sausage works beautifully. You can use pork or chicken sausage depending on your preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well within 2–3 days. Just add a bit of cream or milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can use frozen spinach, but be sure to squeeze out all the excess water after thawing to avoid watering down the sauce.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter base or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Can I substitute another type of pasta?

Definitely! Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great alternatives that still hold onto the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use certified gluten-free pasta and verify that your sausage and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you love this creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta, check out these other crave-worthy recipes from Life With Olivia:

Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or switch up the sausage? Maybe even tossed in some mushrooms?

I love seeing how others make these dishes their own. Ask questions, share your twist, or tag me with your version—we’re all here to inspire each other!

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, flavorful one-skillet dinner. It blends ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and wilted spinach in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, all tied together with tender bowtie pasta and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy evenings or hearty family dinners.

Instructions

1. Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink.

3. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir until garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese. Stir until smooth and melted. Reduce heat to low.

5. Fold in spinach until wilted. Return cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in shredded mozzarella.

6. Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet.

7. Toss everything to coat pasta in the sauce. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

8. Serve hot with extra cheese if preferred.

Notes

Let the cream cheese fully melt before adding the mozzarella for a smoother sauce.

Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen works if drained well.

For a richer flavor, finish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner

Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups

Calories: 560
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg

Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic butter pasta, bowtie pasta dinner