Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. The creamy garlic butter sauce perfectly coats every bowtie, while the combination of Italian sausage and ground beef adds depth and flavor. Fresh spinach not only contributes vibrant color but also a healthy touch. It’s a balanced, hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for families or a weeknight dinner party.

ingredients

1 lb bowtie pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
1 lb ground beef
4 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining, then set aside.

  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat into small crumbles. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.

  4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with butter, garlic, and spinach. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.

  5. Return cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add pasta and toss together. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Swap bowtie pasta for penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

  • Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative.

  • Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

  • Make it spicy by using hot Italian sausage and adding red pepper flakes.

  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.

storage/reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.

  • You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately to maintain texture. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan will give a smoother, creamier sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein instead.

What type of pasta works best?

Bowtie pasta is ideal, but penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are good alternatives.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a little more butter or cream while stirring over low heat, or mix in some cream cheese.

Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based cream, and a non-dairy Parmesan alternative.

How can I store leftovers longer?

For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely, spinach is included, but bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Avoid boiling after adding cream and stir constantly over low to medium heat.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a versatile, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. Its rich, creamy sauce, savory meats, and vibrant spinach make it a standout dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With easy variations and straightforward storage options, it’s a recipe that deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation.


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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a decadent pasta dish that combines tender bowtie pasta with savory Italian sausage, hearty ground beef, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb bowtie pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)

1 lb ground beef

4 cups fresh spinach

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp butter

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking up meat into small crumbles. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  5. Return cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add pasta and toss together. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Swap bowtie pasta for penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative.

Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Make it spicy by using hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.

  • Author: Chloe Mae
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

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