Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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There are few things more comforting than a bowl of cheesy garlic butter spaghetti. When it gets tossed with sizzling Italian sausage and fresh spinach, it turns into a flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug. This recipe hits that perfect balance of cozy, satisfying, and just a little indulgent.

The garlic butter base infuses every strand of spaghetti with rich flavor, while the sausage adds boldness and the spinach brings a hint of earthiness. The final touch of melty cheese pulls everything together in a way that’s totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual weekend meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

It’s a complete meal in one pot, layered with garlicky richness, tender greens, and hearty sausage. Plus, it comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The cheese adds a luscious finish that makes it taste like something you’d get at a cozy Italian bistro.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Italian sausage is the go-to here, and you can use either mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. Mild sausage keeps it family-friendly, while hot Italian sausage brings extra punch. Pork sausage has a fuller flavor, but if you prefer chicken or turkey sausage, those work well too. Look for sausages with lots of herbs and garlic to match the recipe’s vibe.

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

To build all the layers of flavor in this dish, you’ll want to gather a few pantry staples along with some fresh ingredients. Each one plays a role in balancing richness, brightness, and texture.

• Spaghetti: Classic, long noodles that soak up all the garlicky butter and cheese.
• Italian Sausage: Adds savory depth and spice. Go for mild or hot depending on your taste.
• Garlic: The backbone of the flavor. Freshly minced is best for bold taste.
• Butter: Creates that luscious garlic butter base that coats every bite.
• Spinach: Offers a vibrant, slightly earthy contrast to the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and saltiness that brings the whole dish together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into creamy goodness and makes the pasta irresistibly cheesy.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and garlic without burning.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a kick of heat if you’re feeling spicy.

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

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until just wilted. It should only take a minute or two.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the pan, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help everything come together. Mix in the parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot, with extra parmesan on top if desired.

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

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple salad or some crusty bread. Serve it hot from the skillet, topped with extra grated parmesan and maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. One batch of this recipe comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people, making it ideal for small gatherings or a family dinner.

To store leftovers, transfer the cooled spaghetti into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

The classic sidekick to any pasta dish. Warm, buttery, and perfect for soaking up that cheesy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds contrast and freshness to the richness of the spaghetti.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli brings a caramelized crunch that complements the soft pasta beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

A refreshing bite of tomato, mozzarella, and basil adds a pop of brightness.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts balance the savory garlic and sausage.

Lemon Garlic Asparagus

A light, citrusy veggie side to keep things balanced.

Antipasto Platter

For a more indulgent spread, pair the pasta with cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies.

Red Wine

A glass of red, like Chianti or Zinfandel, matches the bold flavors in this pasta perfectly.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this cheesy garlic butter spaghetti, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy these other hearty favorites from the site:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine when you want spice and creaminess in perfect harmony.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for a zesty and savory spin.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta when you’re craving Caribbean flavor.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti for comfort baked into every bite.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a fast, flavorful dinner in one pan.

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with spicy sausage or stick to mild? Add more cheese or toss in mushrooms? I’d love to hear your twists.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach proves that comfort food can still be fresh and exciting. With bold flavors from sausage and garlic, creamy cheese pulls, and a pop of green from spinach, this dish turns a simple weeknight into something special. It’s fast, indulgent, and packed with flavor—just what dinner should be.

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