If you’re craving the kind of dinner that wraps you up in a warm hug, this creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta is just what you need. It combines hearty ground beef, bold Italian sausage, and tender baby spinach in a silky garlic butter cream sauce. All of this is tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta that captures every bit of flavor. It’s satisfying, rich, and surprisingly easy to whip together on a weeknight.

This dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. The garlic butter alone could be the star of the show, but when it’s infused with cream and folded together with savory meats and pasta, you’ve got something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a casual dinner with friends, this pasta delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

This pasta dish is pure indulgence with zero guilt. The richness of the garlic butter and cream makes every bite luxurious, while the ground beef and sausage add that crave-worthy depth. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Plus, it comes together in just one pan, which means easy cleanup and less stress.

Spinach adds a pop of color and a welcome balance to all that richness, and the bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) is the ideal vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce. It’s a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s just as good reheated the next day.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best?

You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage in this recipe, depending on your heat preference. Mild sausage keeps things cozy and approachable, especially for younger palates. But if you’re in the mood for a little kick, hot Italian sausage adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Pork sausage brings the most flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage works great too if you want something lighter.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This pasta is all about layers of flavor that come from a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient plays its part in building a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that feels a little special without being complicated.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Fresh baby spinach
Garlic cloves
Unsalted butter
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

The bowtie pasta gives a playful shape that holds the sauce beautifully. Ground beef adds a meaty heartiness, while Italian sausage brings in bold, seasoned flavor. Spinach introduces color and a slight earthiness that balances the richness. Garlic, butter, and olive oil work together to create that craveable base. The heavy cream and Parmesan turn it all into something luscious and velvety, and a simple hit of salt and pepper rounds it out.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach 2

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meats

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed if needed), and cook until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks. Once done, transfer to a plate and drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked meats to the pan, and add in the spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on top if you like.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

This pasta dish serves about 4 to 6 people generously, making it a great option for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Serve it straight from the pan while it’s hot and creamy for the best experience. If you want to elevate the presentation, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its original creamy texture. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible, although the full dish can still be frozen for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A warm loaf of garlic bread is a natural fit for this dish. Use it to scoop up any extra sauce on your plate.

Simple Garden Salad

A fresh salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brings a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with olive oil and a pinch of salt is a simple and healthy addition that complements the dish.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers with a balsamic drizzle provide a refreshing contrast.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quickly cooked with garlic and lemon, green beans bring a bright and snappy element to the plate.

Italian Antipasto Platter

Olives, artichokes, cured meats, and marinated veggies can be served as a starter to keep the Italian vibes going strong.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re in the mood for a soup-and-pasta combo, this one is smooth and herby with a touch of sweetness.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These crispy bites seasoned with garlic and cheese are hearty enough to stand next to the pasta and still shine.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta, you’ll want to try more comforting, flavor-packed pasta recipes next. Here are a few favorites from Mia Plates to add to your list:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich, cheesy take on childhood nostalgia.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need a one-pan weeknight wonder.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta that takes classic alfredo and adds a meaty spin.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a fusion of comfort food meets Philly.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta with smoky depth and easy cleanup.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy sausage or keep it mild? Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes? I’d love to hear your spin on this creamy pasta delight.

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