Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
When you need a dinner that hits every craving at once, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach checks every box. It’s rich and hearty from the beef and sausage, luscious with the creamy garlic butter sauce, and balanced by the tender spinach that folds into each bite. Bowtie pasta clings to the sauce just enough to give you a little magic in every forkful.
This dish is comfort food that feels a little elevated without needing a fancy technique. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for cozy leftovers, this pasta promises warmth and full bellies. From the sear of the meat to the fragrant garlic bubbling in butter, it brings you straight to a happy place.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta
The first bite of this pasta will have you swooning. The beef and sausage combination is deeply savory, seasoned to perfection, and balanced by the mellow richness of the cream. Bowtie pasta gives a playful shape, while the spinach adds freshness and color. And the sauce? Creamy garlic butter is simply indulgent.
You can whip this up in one pan and a pot of boiling pasta, which makes cleanup a breeze. It’s fast enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for guests. Plus, leftovers hold up beautifully for lunches.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, is a perfect choice for this dish because it captures the sauce in its creases while remaining firm. It gives each bite both structure and sauce. But if you can’t find bowtie pasta, penne or rotini will also do well. Just go for something with curves or ridges that hold onto the cream and meat beautifully.
Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
To make this dish as satisfying as it sounds, you’ll need a lineup of flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of rich, creamy, and hearty comfort. From the meats to the pasta to the final handful of spinach, nothing is here by accident.
- Bowtie pasta
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)


How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Push the meat to the side of the pan, add butter to the center, and sauté the garlic until fragrant. This brings depth and buttery aroma to the whole dish.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, then mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Fold in fresh spinach and stir until wilted. It will add vibrant color and a fresh, earthy note.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finish with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
This dish is best enjoyed hot from the skillet, served in generous bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top. It comfortably feeds four to five hungry eaters, making it a great choice for weeknight family dinners or small gatherings.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is a must. It’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
Caesar Salad
The crunch and tanginess of a good Caesar salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Add a bit of roasted char and green goodness to your plate with this simple veggie side.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring lightness and brightness.
Antipasto Skewers
Skewers with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats are fun and flavorful as a starter.
Grilled Zucchini
Quick to cook and a great way to use up seasonal zucchini for something fresh.
Creamy Tomato Soup
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve this pasta with a bowl of velvety tomato soup on the side.
Bruschetta
The herby tomatoes on crunchy baguette slices add texture and acidity that balance the pasta beautifully.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If this creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta made you swoon, you’re going to want to try a few more from the Life With Zoe kitchen:
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a spicy twist on taco night.
- Creamy Cajun Linguine when you want heat and cream to dance in every bite.
- One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for that same creamy love in a one-pot wonder.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re dreaming of bold, meaty flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli to get even more cozy with garlic and greens.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use mild or spicy sausage? Did you toss in mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach brings together comfort and indulgence in every bite. It’s flavorful, hearty, and easy to whip up on any night of the week. With its rich sauce, savory meats, and a touch of greens, this is a pasta dish you’ll come back to again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a hearty, rich, and comforting dinner recipe made with savory meats, a luscious cream sauce, tender spinach, and bowtie pasta. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or cozy gatherings. Keywords: creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, sausage pasta, spinach pasta recipe.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage
3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Push meat to one side, add butter, and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer. Add Parmesan and let melt into a smooth sauce.
5. Fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water as needed.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use spicy sausage for a heat kick.
Add a splash of cream when reheating to keep it saucy.
Substitute kale or arugula if you don’t have spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg