Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

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Weeknights just got way more exciting with this hearty and flavorful garlic butter rotini. Packed with tender ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach, this dish is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal you look forward to all day, the one that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and the table with happy faces.

What makes this dish a standout is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You get the satisfaction of comfort food with minimal prep and cook time. Each bite delivers creamy, garlicky goodness balanced by the savory meats and the freshness of spinach. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something cozy but quick.

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini

This dish checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. It combines pantry staples with bold ingredients to create a meal that feels like a weekend treat on a weekday budget and schedule. The garlic butter sauce is luscious and lightly coats every twist of rotini, while the meats bring richness and spice.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape holds onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to choose a pasta shape that captures the sauce in its grooves, ensuring flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for the Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish is all about hearty comfort with minimal effort. These ingredients are pantry-friendly and work together to create a balanced, flavorful meal. The combination of meats gives it a deep savory base, while garlic butter and spinach brighten and round out the dish.

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Stir until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the spinach and stir until it wilts into the meat and garlic butter mixture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet. If it seems dry, pour in some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Toss everything until well combined.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Pasta

This garlic butter rotini serves four to six people comfortably, making it great for families or meal prepping. It’s perfect as a standalone meal, but also plays well with a fresh salad or a side of bread. Leftovers hold up beautifully, as the flavors meld even more overnight.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or microwave until warm. If you plan to freeze, skip the spinach initially and add it fresh when reheating for best texture.

What to Serve With Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is always a natural pairing with pasta.

Caesar Salad

The creamy, tangy dressing complements the rich garlic butter sauce.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nutty crispiness contrasts nicely with the soft pasta and meat.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a light, juicy balance.

Sauteed Zucchini

A quick, simple veggie side that blends well with Italian flavors.

Antipasto Platter

A few olives, marinated artichokes, and salami slices add variety.

Buttery Corn on the Cob

Especially in summer, this makes a sweet and savory contrast.

Tomato Basil Soup

A cozy soup option if you’re craving an extra layer of comfort.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this garlic butter rotini, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty and satisfying pasta recipes:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine for a spicy Southern twist.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti if you’re craving baked and bubbly goodness.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a veggie-packed comfort meal.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you want bold flavor and easy cleanup.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini to satisfy that Tex-Mex and Italian fusion craving.

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 spicy or sweet Italian sausage? Did you sneak in extra greens?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight-friendly meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite dinner go-tos: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach is the kind of dinner you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, and completely comforting—all the things a busy weeknight meal should be. Try it once and it just might become a regular on your table.

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