Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 340g bowtie pasta (farfalle); 225g Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 225g ground beef; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or paprika (optional); ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of recipe I make when I want something rich, comforting, and totally satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. The flavors are bold, thanks to the garlic butter base and Italian sausage, but softened by the cream and ribbons of wilted spinach. The bowtie pasta soaks it all up beautifully, catching every drop of sauce in its folds.

What I love about this dish is how it manages to feel fancy yet cozy at the same time. It’s hearty enough to be a complete dinner on its own, but still feels elegant enough to serve for guests. This isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the one that gets requested again and again in my home. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying Sunday supper, this recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

One-pan comfort food: Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Flavor-packed: Between the garlic butter, creamy base, and sausage, every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
Balanced: The richness of the sauce is perfectly balanced by the freshness of spinach.
Versatile: Easy to adapt with your favorite greens, meats, or cheese.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for family dinners or dinner parties—everyone loves it.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

I personally love using bowtie pasta (farfalle) for this dish because of its charming shape and how well it holds onto the creamy garlic butter sauce. The ridges and folds are perfect for catching little bits of sausage and spinach, so every forkful is loaded with flavor. That said, you’re not locked into bowtie pasta. If you’re out or just prefer another shape, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would all be great choices.

Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine here—they don’t carry the sauce and sausage chunks quite as effectively. The heartiness of this dish calls for a pasta shape that can stand up to the bold textures and flavors.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re looking to lighten things up or simply working with what you have, here are a few easy swaps:

Italian Sausage: Try ground turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work in a pinch, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Spinach: Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard are great alternatives. Just sauté them a little longer if they’re thicker.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, substitute with a quality olive oil or plant-based butter.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano adds a sharper bite if you’re looking to change up the cheese.

This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to get creative based on your taste or pantry.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Each ingredient in this dish plays a delicious role, and together they build a comforting, flavor-packed pasta you’ll want to make again and again.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): This pasta shape holds onto the creamy sauce and sausage perfectly, giving every bite the right balance of texture and flavor.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Adds depth, seasoning, and heartiness. Browning it brings out a rich, savory base.
Ground Beef: Adds another layer of meaty flavor that complements the sausage and makes the dish extra satisfying.
Butter: The star of the garlic butter base, lending richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Fragrant and bold—it wakes up the whole dish and gives the butter sauce its signature kick.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luscious, thick, and perfect for coating the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for that salty, nutty finish we all crave.
Fresh Spinach: Lightens up the dish and adds color and nutrients without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balance—use to taste to bring out the flavors.
Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who want a little extra heat or smoky warmth in the dish.

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage and Ground Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat a touch of oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed if using links) and ground beef. Cook until browned and caramelized, breaking the meat into small chunks. Drain any excess fat, but leave a bit behind for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Push the meat to one side of the pan. Add the butter to the other side and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter and meat. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce. Let it wilt down for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and everything is evenly combined.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the dish and season with salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or red pepper flakes. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley if you like.

How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish comes together surprisingly fast—perfect for weeknight cooking. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Pasta cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Browning sausage and beef: 7–8 minutes
Building the sauce: 5–7 minutes
Combining and finishing: 3–4 minutes

Total cook time: About 25–30 minutes from start to finish. If you prep your ingredients ahead of time, it moves even quicker.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up once tossed in the sauce.
Brown the meat well: Let the sausage and beef develop a deep, caramelized crust—it adds so much flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the creaminess of the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting the consistency of your sauce if it thickens too much.
Add spinach last: This keeps it vibrant and prevents overcooking.
Taste and adjust: Always season at the end with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes to fine-tune flavor.
Serve immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is silky and hot.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple pasta dish can go sideways if you’re not paying attention to a few key things. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta doesn’t hold the sauce well and throws off the texture. Always aim for al dente.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—just 30 seconds in the butter is plenty. Burnt garlic turns bitter fast.
Not Draining the Meat Properly: Leaving too much fat can make the sauce greasy, while removing all of it takes away flavor. Find a good middle ground.
Using Low-Quality Parmesan: Pre-shredded or shelf-stable cheese won’t melt smoothly into the sauce and can cause clumping.
Adding Spinach Too Early: It wilts in minutes. Add it at the end for fresh color and texture.
Skipping the Pasta Water: If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved starchy water brings it back to silky perfection.
Rushing the Sauce: Let the cream simmer gently to thicken before combining everything—don’t crank up the heat or it could separate.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach?

This rich pasta stands on its own, but if you’re building a full meal, these sides pair beautifully:

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer—perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Try mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

Add some roasted veggies for balance. Broccoli or cauliflower with a hint of char work great.

A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re serving adults, a light red like Pinot Noir or Chianti complements the sausage and garlic beautifully.

Lemon-Herb Asparagus

Lightly sautéed or roasted asparagus with lemon zest adds a bright, zippy flavor.

Burrata or Caprese Plate

Start the meal with creamy burrata, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a fancy touch.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms sautéed in butter and thyme echo the richness of the dish without competing.

Storage Instructions

This pasta stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
Freezing: While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed. If you do freeze, use an airtight container and consume within 1 month for best texture and flavor.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll be storing a portion, cook the pasta a minute under al dente—it holds up better when reheated.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 27g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 105mg
Serving Size: About 1½ cups

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on brands and specific ingredient choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage should I use?

Use Italian sausage—either mild or spicy depending on your preference. Spicy adds a kick, while mild keeps it family-friendly. You can use bulk sausage or remove the casing from links.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes! Substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be lighter. Add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it slightly if needed.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. You’re in full control of the heat level, so keep it mild or turn it up!

Can I use frozen spinach?

You can! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce. It won’t be quite as fresh-tasting as baby spinach, but it works well.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce tightens up too much, just add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit of cream while reheating. Stir it gently to bring back the silky texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the meat and use a plant-based sausage or toss in sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

What kind of pasta works if I don’t have bowtie?

Go for short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, rotini, or orecchiette. These catch the sauce beautifully and hold their shape well.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately and combine them when reheating to avoid sogginess.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything I crave in a pasta dish—bold flavor, silky sauce, satisfying textures, and total comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or serving it at a casual dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes and endlessly adaptable. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.