Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with savory sausage and tender spinach, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is weeknight comfort at its best. Each forkful is rich with buttery pasta, flavorful bits of sausage, and a melty coating of cheese that ties everything together. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together quickly—making it perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends.

This dish takes the simplicity of spaghetti and elevates it with a silky garlic butter sauce that clings to every strand. The combination of cheesy Italian sausage and fresh spinach offers a comforting balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this pasta is always a hit.

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

There’s something irresistible about butter and garlic sizzling together. When paired with golden brown sausage and leafy spinach, it transforms a humble spaghetti base into a crave-worthy main dish. What makes this one extra special is the cheesy melt-in-your-mouth texture from the sausage, giving it that indulgent Italian comfort food edge without needing a heavy cream sauce.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal cleanup, and how easy it is to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it keeps well, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

While classic spaghetti works beautifully, this dish is flexible. You can use angel hair for a more delicate texture or even swap in whole wheat pasta for a nuttier base. If you prefer a bit more bite, try linguine or fettuccine. The key is to use something that can hold onto that luscious garlic butter coating and balance the savory sausage chunks.

If you’re looking to go gluten-free, a good-quality gluten-free spaghetti will work too—just make sure not to overcook it, as it tends to go soft faster than traditional pasta.

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

This meal brings together humble ingredients in the most delicious way. What makes it really shine is how each element plays a role in layering flavor, from the richness of the butter to the savory kick of Italian sausage. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spaghetti
Italian sausage (cheesy or mild spicy)
Fresh spinach
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

The spaghetti is your perfect base for holding the buttery sauce. Italian sausage adds a juicy, cheesy punch and flavor depth. Fresh spinach gives the dish color and a gentle earthiness, balancing the richness. You can’t have garlic butter without plenty of garlic cloves and butter, which create the silky, aromatic sauce. A touch of olive oil helps brown the sausage, while Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and creaminess. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and for a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the spaghetti aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage if needed, then crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Push the sausage to one side of the pan. Add the butter and garlic to the empty side. Let the garlic sizzle gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Combine

Add fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated and glossy. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot and cheesy!

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

This flavorful pasta dish is satisfying enough to serve as a standalone meal, and it feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably. The rich sausage and butter sauce make it feel indulgent, but the addition of spinach keeps things balanced. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy meal for two with leftovers, this dish hits the spot.

To store, allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and revive that glossy texture. You can also freeze it for up to a month, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with buttery, crispy garlic bread. It echoes the flavors in the pasta and is perfect for sopping up every drop of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad with crisp romaine and tangy dressing adds contrast and freshness to this hearty dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Think roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Their natural sweetness complements the savory garlic butter sauce.

Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta on toasted baguette slices brings a bright, acidic touch that balances the richness of the pasta.

Creamy Tomato Soup

If you’re craving something extra cozy, serve a small bowl of creamy tomato soup on the side.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled or oven-roasted asparagus adds a springy bite and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage and spinach.

Caprese Skewers

Skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing side that adds color and texture.

Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken

If you’re hosting and want to stretch the meal further, serve it with some juicy lemon-herb roasted chicken to really impress.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting and flavor-packed meals too:

Try this creamy and meaty twist with the Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
This easy, one-pan Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is always a weeknight win
For bold flavor, don’t miss the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
Keep it cheesy and satisfying with a bubbling Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
Looking for sausage in a different form? Check out the comforting One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for spicy sausage or keep it mild? Did you toss in some extra veggies?

I always love hearing how others make these dishes their own. If you have questions or tweaks to share, drop them below so we can cook better together.

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