Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

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If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of bold flavor, this creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is going to be your new go-to comfort dish. It feels indulgent, like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro, but it’s incredibly simple to make right in your own kitchen.

With rich garlic butter as the flavor base, the savory ground beef and spicy Italian sausage create a mouthwatering depth. Add a splash of cream, some fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne

This dish checks every box for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s fast enough for busy evenings but still layered with enough flavor to serve guests. The combination of beef and sausage offers a rich meatiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic butter sauce. And since spinach gets stirred in at the end, you sneak in some greens without compromising on taste.

This recipe is also highly adaptable—switch out penne for rigatoni or fusilli, or use kale instead of spinach. It works well for meal prepping too, as the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

What Kind of Penne Should I Use?

You can use classic penne rigate with its ridged texture to help the sauce cling to every bite, or smooth penne if that’s what you have on hand. Whole wheat or even chickpea penne works well for a healthier spin. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds its shape in the creamy sauce. The key is choosing a sturdy pasta that can handle a thick, rich sauce without going soggy.

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

A rich dish like this one needs ingredients that bring both bold flavor and creamy comfort. The garlic butter base sets a decadent tone, while the combination of ground beef and Italian sausage provides depth and spice. The spinach and pasta balance things out for a satisfying, complete meal.

• Penne pasta
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

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

This pasta dish is rich and satisfying on its own, making it an easy go-to for lunch or dinner. Serve it right from the skillet with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper if you want some kick. It feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably, and leftovers are even better the next day as the flavors have more time to settle in.

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze portions for up to a month, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne?

Garlic Bread

A crusty garlic bread is always a winning side to mop up that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp, tangy flavor of a Caesar salad helps balance out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a nutty bite and a pop of green that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Tomato Basil Soup

For a cozy, complete dinner, pair this pasta with a bowl of comforting tomato basil soup.

Grilled Zucchini

A lighter veggie side that brings in some charred flavor and freshness.

Antipasto Platter

Offer a few bites of olives, cheeses, and cured meats to start the meal off with flair.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their tangy and slightly sweet edge complements the savory pasta wonderfully.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

Something light and refreshing to sip on and cut through the richness.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy garlic butter beef penne, you’re in for a treat with these other hearty favorites from the blog:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a Tex-Mex pasta fusion.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with a spicy southern twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli that gives the same comfort with extra greens.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti if you’re craving baked, melty goodness.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine for a bold kick of flavor in every bite.

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 go with spicy sausage or mild? Did you toss in mushrooms or bell peppers?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Ask away if you have questions—we’re here to cook better together.

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Conclusion

Creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach brings the ultimate comfort right to your table. It’s rich, bold, and brimming with hearty flavor—a must-try for pasta lovers who want something satisfying yet simple. Keep it in your rotation for weeknights or cozy weekends alike.

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