If you’re craving a dish that combines indulgent creaminess, hearty meatiness, and fresh greens in every bite, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together perfectly cooked bowtie pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, generously studded with savory Italian sausage and ground beef, all brightened up by tender fresh spinach. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe packs rich flavors and comforting textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the tender pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully to the aromatic garlic that forms the flavorful base. These simple yet essential components come together effortlessly to create a dish with fantastic taste, texture, and vibrant color.
- 1 lb bowtie pasta: The perfect pasta shape to capture the creamy sauce and bits of meat for every mouthful.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed): Adds a burst of seasoning and savory richness that really elevates the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Complements the sausage with hearty, meaty depth.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Provides a fresh, tender green contrast and subtle earthiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the butter sauce with warm, fragrant flavors.
- 4 tbsp butter: The creamy and silky base of your sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that indulgent, velvety texture that coats every ingredient.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finish that binds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the meat evenly while adding richness.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper, to taste: Provides a gentle heat and balances the richness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Toss in your bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions—this ensures the pasta retains a perfect bite that’s not mushy but still tender. Before draining, save a cup of the starchy pasta water, which comes in handy later for adjusting sauce consistency. Once drained, set the pasta aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook until everything is nicely browned and cooked through—this may take 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat not only locks in juices but also creates those irresistible caramelized bits that add depth. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside to make room for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Wilt Spinach
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to release the aromatic oils without burning. Immediately add the fresh spinach and cook until the leaves are just wilted, preserving their lovely green color and subtle flavor. This step infuses the buttery base with garlicky goodness and adds a healthy pop of vegetables.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently to blend it seamlessly with the butter, garlic, and spinach. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes—it will thicken up slightly and become luxuriously creamy. This slow mingling of ingredients builds that luscious texture and rich flavor that’s key to this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Meat and Pasta
Now it’s time to reunite the star players: add the cooked sausage and beef back into the skillet, stirring so the meat gets well coated in the cream sauce. Then, add your warm bowtie pasta and toss everything together with care. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, just splash in some of that reserved pasta water—you’ll find it revitalizes the sauce, making it silky without watering down the flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
To round out the flavors, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty richness that pulls the dish together perfectly. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then give everything one last good toss. Serve immediately while it’s hot, so you can enjoy that creamy, comforting goodness at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is a wonderful way to add a fresh dimension to this dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese on top can add a final savory touch. For a little heat, try a pinch of red chili flakes—this elevates the flavors without overpowering the natural creaminess.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement its richness. Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, you can serve this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Alternatively, bake it with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan on top for a delightful baked pasta casserole variation that’s golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness. The cream sauce thickens as it chills, so be prepared to loosen it when reheating.
Freezing
While the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to two months. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results, though the texture of the spinach may soften after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy sauce consistency. Stir frequently to heat evenly and prevent scorching. Alternatively, use a microwave, stirring every minute or so until warm throughout. Adding extra Parmesan at this stage refreshes the richness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, feel free to use other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Each will bring a slightly different texture but still work wonderfully with the creamy sauce and meat.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, to create a vegetarian version, swap out the Italian sausage and ground beef for plant-based sausage crumbles or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth if you add any liquid and consider reducing the heavy cream slightly or using a plant-based cream alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends mostly on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Sweet Italian sausage results in mild heat, while spicy sausage will add a gentle kick. You can always adjust by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more warmth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to keep the cheesy flavor.
What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully, cutting through the rich creaminess while complementing the savory sausage and beef. For white wine lovers, try a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is like gifting yourself and your loved ones a bowl of pure comfort and joy. Every forkful delivers a wonderful balance of creamy, meaty, and fresh flavors that’s hard to beat. So next time you want something hearty but special, don’t hesitate to make this recipe part of your dinner plans—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender bowtie pasta with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking up the meat into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Transfer the cooked meat to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the butter, garlic, and spinach mixture. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Combine Meat and Pasta: Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want an extra kick of heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better texture and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
