Description
Craving a quick dinner idea that’s buttery, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor? This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is your go-to easy recipe for a cozy night in. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers big with golden garlic butter, juicy sausage bursting with melted cheese, tender spinach, and just the right touch of Parmesan. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of crowd-pleasing flavor—perfect for fans of easy dinners, comfort food ideas, and one-pan meals. Whether you're after a quick weeknight fix or an elevated comfort meal, this garlic butter spaghetti hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 oz Italian sausage, sliced (preferably cheesy or mozzarella-stuffed)
3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
0.25 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional: juice of half a lemon, extra mozzarella or provolone, fresh herbs
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add sliced sausage and sauté until browned and heated through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Add butter and let it melt completely, combining with sausage and garlic.
4. Toss in the cooked spaghetti. Use tongs to combine everything in the pan. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Turn off the heat and add fresh spinach. Toss until wilted. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and combine until the pasta is coated in a silky sauce.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
7. Optional: Add lemon juice or extra shredded cheese. Garnish with herbs if desired.
8. Serve warm with your favorite side or crusty bread.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Add spinach at the end and off the heat to keep it vibrant and fresh.
Reserve pasta water—just a splash helps make the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic butter pasta, sausage spaghetti, spinach pasta