Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything you want in a comfort dish. It’s one of those meals that comes together with pantry staples but tastes like a little slice of Italian heaven. The combination of golden garlic butter coating every strand of spaghetti with the richness of Italian sausage and the freshness of wilted spinach creates a mouthwatering forkful every time.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of textures—creamy cheese, al dente pasta, hearty sausage, and tender greens—makes it a balanced and memorable dish. And the best part? It reheats like a dream, making leftovers just as irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

There’s something magical about the way garlic butter wraps around pasta. It creates a luscious, silky base that elevates every bite. Adding cheese turns it indulgent, and Italian sausage brings a bold, meaty contrast that keeps things interesting. The spinach adds a touch of color and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.

This dish is also endlessly customizable. Swap out the sausage for turkey, throw in mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes, or use gluten-free noodles to suit your dietary needs. It’s one of those meals that adapts to your fridge and your cravings.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

For this recipe, traditional spaghetti works beautifully. The strands are thin enough to absorb the garlic butter and cheese, yet sturdy enough to support chunks of sausage. If you prefer a lighter version, you could use whole wheat or chickpea pasta. Just make sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up in the final dish.

Angel hair can be a bit too delicate, and thicker noodles like fettuccine may overwhelm the balance of ingredients. Stick with classic spaghetti or even linguine if you want a slightly more toothsome texture.

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

This recipe calls for simple, flavor-packed ingredients that come together quickly to create a delicious dinner. Each component brings its own charm to the dish, creating a meal that’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced.

Spaghetti: The star of the show, acting as the base that soaks up all the buttery, cheesy goodness.
Italian Sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor and hearty texture. Mild or hot, depending on your preference.
Butter: Essential for the garlic butter sauce that coats every bite with richness.
Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that infuses the entire dish.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a light, earthy contrast and a healthy green touch.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce its creamy, salty depth and helps thicken it.
Cream Cheese: Offers creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sausage.
Pasta Water: Helps bind the sauce and makes it silky smooth.
Salt & Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach 2

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

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sausage is browning, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet used for the sausage, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the butter and garlic. Slowly add a bit of reserved pasta water to smooth it out, then stir in the Parmesan until melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained spaghetti, cooked sausage, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce clings to every strand. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, topped with extra Parmesan if you like.

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

This dish is best served hot right off the stove, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the spinach is just wilted. Spoon it into shallow bowls for that cozy, restaurant-style presentation. A little extra Parmesan on top and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper add the perfect finish.

If you have leftovers, allow the spaghetti to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture. A quick toss in a skillet or a microwave reheat will make it just as tasty as day one.

This recipe yields about 4 to 5 generous servings, making it great for family dinners or weekly meal prep.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

Classic, buttery garlic bread is a natural match. Its crisp exterior and soft center are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

The freshness of a Caesar salad cuts through the richness of the pasta. Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a great contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple roasted broccoli brings a nutty, caramelized flavor that balances the creamy sauce.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a refreshing, colorful side.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms sauteed in butter and herbs add another savory element that complements the sausage beautifully.

Antipasto Platter

A small plate of olives, artichokes, and cured meats makes a fun and flavorful starter.

Zesty Lemonade

A cool glass of homemade lemonade brings brightness and zing that pairs surprisingly well with this savory pasta.

Tiramisu

Finish strong with a light and creamy tiramisu for dessert. It continues the Italian theme and satisfies every sweet tooth.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try some of these cozy and delicious pasta recipes too:

Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a saucy one-skillet comfort meal.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce if you’re craving bubbly baked pasta perfection.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick and creamy weeknight solution.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce with steakhouse flavor packed in every bite.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky twist and easy cleanup.

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 add extra garlic or swap in kale for spinach? Did your family love it as much as mine did?

I always love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s keep the kitchen conversations going.

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