I have to admit, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is one of those dishes that made me pause mid-bite and go, “Wait—did I just make this?” It’s rich, bold, garlicky, creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. The sausage adds a deeply savory, slightly spicy flavor, while the spinach brings a touch of freshness to balance it all out. The melted cheese pulls everything together into a bowl of ultimate comfort.

This isn’t your average spaghetti night. I created this recipe after wanting something cozier than a marinara-based pasta but not as heavy as a full-on Alfredo. The garlic butter base seeps into every strand of spaghetti, the sausage creates a meaty richness, and the final broil of cheese on top? Pure gold. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a way to impress dinner guests, this dish delivers big flavor with relatively little effort.

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

Cheesy & Creamy: That melty, gooey cheese on top is impossible to resist.
Bold Flavor: The garlic butter base combined with spicy sausage brings powerful flavor in every bite.
One Pan Sauce: Everything comes together in the same skillet—fewer dishes, more flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Fresh spinach not only adds color but sneaks in some nutrition.
Perfect Comfort Food: Cozy, warm, and just indulgent enough without being too heavy.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best in Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

For this dish, I always reach for Italian sausage—either mild or spicy depending on who I’m feeding. Spicy Italian sausage gives the sauce a delicious kick, which balances out the richness of the garlic butter and cheese. If you’re not a fan of heat, mild sausage works just as well and still packs plenty of flavor thanks to the herbs and seasonings blended into the meat.

You can use sausage links with the casings removed, or opt for bulk ground Italian sausage to save a step. Pork is classic, but chicken or turkey sausage also works if you prefer something leaner. The goal is to get a good sear and browning—that’s where all the flavor lives.

Options for Substitutions

This dish is flexible, which is why I love making it again and again. Here are a few easy swaps you can try:

Pasta: Swap spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here, but provolone, fontina, or even a shredded Italian blend can work well.
Greens: No spinach? Kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard can be delicious alternatives.
Butter Alternatives: Use olive oil or a mix of butter and oil if you’re watching your dairy.
Sausage Substitutes: Ground beef, ground chicken, or even a plant-based sausage can stand in.
Add Cream: For an extra creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the garlic butter.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Spaghetti
The heart of the dish—spaghetti soaks up the garlic butter sauce and clings to all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy)
Adds deep, savory flavor and a hearty texture. It’s the star protein that gives the dish a meaty punch.
Fresh Garlic
A must in this recipe. Garlic infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor that defines the whole dish.
Unsalted Butter
Used to create the garlic butter base. It gives the sauce a rich, velvety quality that’s irresistibly smooth.
Spinach
Adds a pop of green and a healthy touch to balance out the richness. It wilts into the sauce beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melted over the top, it brings that gooey, stretchy cheese layer that makes this pasta extra special.
Parmesan Cheese
For sharpness and extra umami. It enhances both the sauce and the cheesy topping.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Perfect if you like a little heat—complements the sausage and wakes up the palate.
Salt & Black Pepper
To season every layer and bring out the flavors in the butter, sausage, and cheese.
Pasta Water
Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silkier finish and helping everything cling to the noodles.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to use in the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small drizzle of oil and cook the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes. Once cooked, remove excess grease if needed but leave some for flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat slightly and add butter directly into the skillet with the sausage. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté just until wilted. It should take no more than 2–3 minutes. Stir everything together so the spinach mixes well with the sausage and garlic butter.

Step 5: Add Cooked Pasta and Pasta Water

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash (start with ½ cup) of reserved pasta water. Toss until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your liking.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and toss until melted into the sauce. Then, top with shredded mozzarella and cover the pan for a couple of minutes (or place under a broiler for a bubbly finish) until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot, with extra cheese and fresh herbs if you like.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

The entire recipe comes together in about 30–35 minutes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Pasta: 8–10 minutes (while you prep the other ingredients)
Cook Sausage & Sauce: 10–12 minutes
Melt Cheese & Finish: 3–5 minutes

This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente—it’ll finish cooking slightly in the skillet when mixed with the sauce.
Brown the Sausage Well: Let the sausage develop some caramelization before moving on. Those browned bits = flavor gold.
Use Fresh Garlic, Not Jarred: Fresh garlic has a punchier, more vibrant flavor that shines in the butter.
Add Pasta Water Gradually: This gives you control over the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling better to the noodles.
Use Good-Quality Cheese: Real mozzarella (not pre-shredded if possible) melts better and tastes richer.
Taste Before Serving: Sausage can be salty, so don’t over-salt the dish before tasting everything together.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This is crucial for achieving a silky, cohesive sauce. Don’t drain it all away!
Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly—once it turns golden, move fast. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will overpower the dish.
Using Dry or Pre-Grated Cheese Only: Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly. Pre-grated often contains anti-caking agents that make it clump.
Adding Spinach Too Early: Spinach wilts fast. If you add it too early, it’ll turn mushy and lose its bright color.
Not Tasting Before Serving: Between sausage, cheese, and salted pasta water, the dish might already be well-seasoned—always taste before adding more salt.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach?

Garlic Bread

Go all-in with the garlic theme. Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on toothpicks make a refreshing and easy side.

A Glass of Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with the sausage and garlic.

Marinated Vegetables

A tangy side of marinated artichokes, olives, and roasted peppers adds a Mediterranean flair.

Roasted Lemon Broccoli

The brightness of lemon and the crispness of roasted broccoli bring a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Keep it light and refreshing—especially if you go for the spicy sausage version.

Light Gelato or Sorbet

For dessert, a cool scoop of lemon sorbet or vanilla gelato finishes the meal without overwhelming your palate.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach stores beautifully:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight.
Freezer: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just know the texture of the spinach and cheese may change slightly.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to keep the texture creamy.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings total)

These are approximate values and can vary depending on the brands and amounts used:

Calories: 610
Protein: 29g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 880mg
Cholesterol: 85mg

This is a hearty, comforting meal—best enjoyed in balance with lighter dishes throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for the best flavor?

Spicy or mild Italian sausage is ideal, as it’s already seasoned with herbs and adds great depth. Pork is traditional, but turkey or chicken sausage also works well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms to get a similar hearty bite.

Do I have to use mozzarella?

Nope. While mozzarella gives that perfect melty texture, you can also use provolone, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar for a twist.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes! A splash of heavy cream stirred in with the garlic butter will give it a richer, more decadent finish.

How do I keep the cheese from getting clumpy?

Use freshly grated cheese, add it off heat or under the broiler, and stir gently until melted. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you make it that way. Spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes bring heat—just choose mild sausage and skip the flakes for a milder version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sausage mixture and cook the pasta ahead, but it’s best assembled and served fresh for the ultimate texture and flavor.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be fantastic additions without overwhelming the dish.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach hits all the right notes: comforting, rich, savory, and just a little indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that looks and tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and once you try it, I think it’ll find a home in yours too.