Rich, hearty, and irresistibly creamy—this garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something spectacular. Each bite of tender penne pasta is smothered in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce and topped with crispy browned beef sausage and wilted spinach. It’s comfort food, leveled up with simple ingredients that deliver bold, cozy flavors.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress with a rustic Italian-inspired dinner, this dish comes together with little fuss but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. It’s one of those meals that looks like a weekend dinner but works beautifully for busy weeknights too.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most of this recipe, a few key kitchen tools will make a big difference in both flavor and convenience:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A must-have for searing the beef sausage and creating a fond (those tasty browned bits) that enhances the sauce.
Large Pot: For boiling the penne pasta to al dente perfection without crowding.
Colander: To drain your pasta efficiently and prevent sogginess.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan and getting every last bit of flavor into the sauce.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the creaminess of your sauce.

Having these tools ready before you begin ensures a smoother cooking experience and the best texture in every layer of the dish.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Penne Pasta: The ideal shape for holding onto rich creamy sauces, penne provides a satisfying bite and soaks up the flavor.
Ground Beef Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty base with a hint of spice and crisp texture when browned.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a touch of color and freshness to balance the richness.

Garlic (Minced): The foundation of the sauce, garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.
Butter: Gives the sauce a silky body and classic garlic butter depth.
Heavy Cream: Creates a decadent, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce for stretchy, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch to deepen flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: For essential seasoning.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little kick if you like your creamy dishes with a bit of heat.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Penne

Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef sausage over medium-high heat until fully browned and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the pan to loosen up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Toss in the spinach and stir until just wilted. It should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This pasta dish is incredibly satisfying right off the stove, with melty cheese and hot, creamy sauce coating every bite. Serve it in warm bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad rounds it out beautifully for dinner.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian-style ground sausage (mild or spicy) adds the best flavor, but you can also use chicken sausage or plant-based alternatives if you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently with a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach?

Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.

Can I swap penne for a different pasta?

Sure! Rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well. Just use something with grooves or surface area to hold the sauce.

How do I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a leaner sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version.

Will it freeze well?

Creamy sauces can separate when frozen, so while you can freeze it, the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach hits the spot, here are a few more pasta-perfect dishes to add to your weekly rotation:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for an ultra-creamy chicken twist.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce if you’re craving rich, bold garlic flavor.
Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta for a spicy, cheesy kick.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta to elevate dinner with hearty steak.

Creamy Honey Buffalo Steak Pasta Bake when you want comforting pasta baked to bubbly perfection.

Save This Recipe for Later

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or stick to the classic flavor? Did you use mozzarella only or mix in something extra creamy?

I love hearing your twists and tweaks—your creativity makes this space so delicious. Ask away if you have questions too!

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and indulgent pasta dish made with penne tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce, savory ground sausage, and tender spinach. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crispy on the edges. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the flavorful bits. Simmer gently.

5. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy.

6. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and add the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

8. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

9. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.