Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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Garlic butter spaghetti with cheesy Italian sausage and spinach is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It comes together effortlessly yet feels like a special dinner worth savoring. The garlic butter coats every strand of pasta, while melty cheese and savory sausage bring bold flavor. A handful of fresh spinach rounds out the dish, making it both hearty and satisfying.

This meal is a fusion of rich and cozy, ideal when you want something warm and indulgent without a ton of prep. It satisfies every craving: creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and slightly spicy thanks to the sausage. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this pasta bowl brings the flavor.

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

The beauty of this dish is its balance. The garlic butter sauce is simple but luxurious, and it doesn’t compete with the richness of the sausage or the earthiness of the spinach. Everything just works. It’s also fast to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are budget-friendly, and it’s easy to scale up for leftovers or gatherings. Plus, it reheats beautifully!

What Kind of Italian Sausage Should I Use?

You can go mild or spicy depending on your taste, but I love using a slightly spicy Italian sausage to add a little kick. Pork sausage gives the richest flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works great too if you want to lighten things up. Just be sure it’s a good-quality sausage with Italian herbs to really boost the flavor of the whole dish.

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

This dish uses everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand, but the combination is where the magic happens. Each component brings something to the table—flavor, texture, or comfort—and together they create a pasta dinner that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is.

• Spaghetti
• Butter
• Garlic
• Italian sausage
• Shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
• Spinach
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this will help bind the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage if you like a bit of heat.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir it into the garlic butter until just wilted. Return the sausage to the pan, then toss in the drained spaghetti.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Toss everything gently while adding in your shredded cheese. If the mixture seems too dry, use a splash of reserved pasta water to help everything come together. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’d like and cracked black pepper to taste.

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

This hearty dish comfortably serves 4 people and is perfect for both casual dinners and more elevated weeknight meals. To serve, dish it up warm and let the melted cheese stretch and cling to the noodles, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

For leftovers, store the spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen even more the next day, making it great for lunchboxes or quick microwave meals.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with classic garlic bread. It complements the garlic butter in the pasta and adds a satisfying crunch.

Caesar Salad

The creamy, tangy dressing and crisp romaine in Caesar salad provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli brings a nutty, slightly charred flavor that pairs beautifully with cheesy, garlicky pasta.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a light and vibrant addition to your meal.

Antipasto Platter

Include marinated olives, artichoke hearts, salami, and cheeses for a rustic Italian vibe.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A warm bowl of tomato soup on the side adds another cozy layer to this comfort meal.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Sweet and tangy, these carrots bring a pop of color and flavor that balances the savory notes of the sausage.

Lemon Herb Zucchini

Zucchini sautéed with lemon and herbs brings a bright, fresh side that won’t overpower your main dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this garlic butter spaghetti, you’re going to want to try these other favorites next:

• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings smoky, spicy comfort with just one pan to clean.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli is another easy dinner idea with bold flavors and simple ingredients.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti is always a hit for family dinners or potlucks.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine is bright, buttery, and loaded with flavor.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine offers a rich and spicy kick that’s impossible to resist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find when you’re craving something warm and cheesy.

Tried it out? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you use spicy or mild sausage? Add extra cheese or veggies?

I love seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchen. Feel free to share your twists or ask questions so we can make it even better together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food favorites and healthy dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is the perfect balance of indulgent and easy. It’s one of those meals that hits every note—comforting, flavorful, and fast. Whether it becomes your new weeknight go-to or a cozy meal to share, it promises satisfaction with every bite.

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