Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Save this recipe on:

There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling pot of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with savory ground beef, seasoned sausage, tender spinach, and a garlicky butter sauce that clings to every bite of penne. This dish captures the best of indulgent, home-cooked dinners while keeping things easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Every element in this recipe brings flavor to the table. The beef and sausage create a hearty, satisfying foundation. Spinach adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. And the penne? It soaks up every bit of the luscious garlic butter sauce, making each forkful irresistibly tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe is perfect when you’re craving something cozy and filling but still want some greens in your bowl. It’s a great way to use pantry staples like pasta and cream, along with fridge favorites like ground beef and sausage. You can customize the spice level, add mushrooms, or toss in extra spinach depending on your mood. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep too.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best?

You can use either spicy Italian sausage for a kick or mild sausage if you prefer a more mellow flavor. Pork or chicken sausage both work well, depending on your preference. If you like smoky notes, a smoked sausage can bring another layer of depth to the dish. Just be sure to remove any casings and break it up well while browning, so it integrates with the beef and coats the penne evenly.

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

The ingredients in this creamy garlic butter beef penne come together to create rich flavor and irresistible texture. Each component serves a purpose, whether it’s adding creaminess, spice, or earthy green freshness. Here’s what you need to gather:

• Penne pasta
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Penne pasta is ideal for catching the creamy sauce in its ridges, making every bite flavorful. Ground beef adds savory depth and richness, while Italian sausage brings spice and a satisfying texture. Fresh spinach balances everything with its slight bitterness and vibrant color. You’ll want several garlic cloves to get that buttery garlic kick. Butter forms the luxurious base of the sauce, complemented by heavy cream for silky thickness. Parmesan cheese adds salty umami to finish it off, and a pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break them up with a spoon as they brown. Once cooked through and slightly crispy, drain off excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter to the skillet with the browned meat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it begins to simmer gently. Lower the heat and let it thicken slightly for a few minutes.

Step 5: Add the Greens and Cheese

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Bring it Together

Add the cooked penne to the skillet and stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this comforting bowl of creamy garlic butter bliss.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This creamy garlic butter beef penne recipe makes enough to feed 4 to 6 people generously, perfect for a hungry family or a small dinner party. The sauce stays silky and the flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more enjoyable the next day. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of cream or milk to revive the creamy consistency. It’s also freezer-friendly for up to a month—just thaw and reheat slowly on the stove.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate pairing for pasta, garlic bread helps soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Warm, crispy, and buttery—you can never go wrong.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan offers a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Earthy, caramelized broccoli pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the dish and adds another layer of nutrition.

Caprese Salad

Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze is a light, summery side that complements the garlic flavor.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter and herbs blend well with the beef and sausage.

Italian Green Beans

These slightly crisp green beans with garlic and olive oil add freshness and crunch to balance the meal.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots work as a flavor contrast and add a bit of color to your dinner plate.

Simple Mixed Greens

When in doubt, a bowl of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette can lighten up the richness of the pasta dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Hearty Twist?

If this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach has you craving more rich and comforting pasta creations, you’ll love exploring these reader favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another silky, beefy bite in every forkful.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that delivers comfort in under 30 minutes.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with rich alfredo sauce and a hint of garlic.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you want that smoky kick in a single pan dinner.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for the ultimate cheesy-meaty mashup.

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 spicy with the sausage or keep it mild? Maybe you swapped the spinach for kale or added mushrooms?

I always love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Got questions? Ask away—we’re all here to help each other cook smarter and tastier meals.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and cozy favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for weeknight wins!

Print

Save this recipe on: