When dinnertime hits and you want something fast, filling, and full of flavor, this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach checks all the boxes. With rich garlicky butter coating every spiral of pasta and hearty bites of seasoned meat and vibrant spinach, it brings comfort to the table without a fuss. This one-pan style dish combines everything you love about Italian comfort food and puts it on your plate in under 40 minutes.

It’s a weeknight lifesaver, perfect for busy families or when you just don’t want to deal with a mountain of dishes. The combination of rotini, savory beef, Italian sausage, and that luxurious butter-garlic infusion makes each bite crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, a cozy dinner for two, or batch prepping for the week, this meal keeps everyone satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini

This dish is incredibly easy to throw together, and it brings bold, satisfying flavor with minimal effort. It’s flexible enough to accommodate what you have on hand, so feel free to toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even sub the protein if needed. The garlic butter acts like a creamy, glossy sauce without being heavy, and the rotini locks in all that flavor in its curly texture. Plus, it’s a complete meal on its own — you’ve got pasta, protein, and greens in every serving.

What Kind of Rotini Should I Use?

Rotini pasta is perfect for this dish because the grooves and spirals hold onto the buttery sauce beautifully. You can use regular rotini, whole wheat for a fiber boost, or gluten-free versions depending on your dietary needs. If you can’t find rotini, fusilli or penne make great substitutes. The key is choosing a shape with ridges or curls so you don’t lose any of that savory garlic butter goodness in a flat noodle.

Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach (1)

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

This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays an important role. The combination of ground meats, rich garlic butter, and fresh spinach creates a hearty and savory meal. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

Rotini pasta
Ground beef
Italian sausage (mild or hot)
Fresh spinach
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up as they cook. Stir frequently until both are browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the cooked meat, then stir in the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Pasta

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the meat mixture. Add the cooked rotini and toss everything together. If it looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Give everything a final stir so the flavors melt together.

Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach (2)

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Rotini

This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach makes a generous meal that feeds about 5 to 6 people comfortably. It’s satisfying enough to be served solo, but it also pairs beautifully with a side salad or warm bread. Serve it hot and fresh from the skillet for the best experience, as the garlic butter sauce is at its peak flavor when warm.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.

What to Serve With Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini?

Garlic Bread

It’s hard to beat the classic pairing of buttery garlic bread with pasta. The crispy edges and soft center are perfect for soaking up every drop of garlic butter sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm richness of the dish. The creamy dressing and crunch from croutons make it an ideal side.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss together some zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes and roast them until caramelized. Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the rotini.

Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes, mozzarella slices, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze work as a light and tangy companion to the bold pasta dish.

Cheesy Breadsticks

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve up some cheesy breadsticks. They melt beautifully and make this comforting dinner even cozier.

Antipasto Platter

Set out a small antipasto plate with olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for an Italian-style dinner spread.

Creamy Tomato Soup

For a cooler evening, a bowl of creamy tomato soup adds comfort and warmth that perfectly pairs with a hearty pasta like this one.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach hit the spot, here are more pasta-based meals you can dive into next:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich and hearty skillet meal.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving extra comfort with fewer dishes.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re all about bold, cheesy flavor.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta to get your creamy fix in under 30 minutes.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, savory depth in one simple dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go spicy with hot Italian sausage or keep it mellow? Maybe you snuck in some mushrooms or added extra garlic?

I always love hearing how others put their own spin on these comforting dishes. Ask questions, share your tweaks, and help others cook with confidence.

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