Description
A rich and indulgent creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta with fresh spinach, Italian sausage, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Meat
- 12 ounces Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) (Use gluten-free alternatives if desired.)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (Beef or Pork) (Choose spicy or sweet based on preference.)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Essential for creamy texture.)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach
- ½ cup Crumbled Feta (Optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes (Optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook for about 5–6 minutes until it is well-browned and fully cooked through.
- Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Return the skillet with the cooked sausage to medium-low heat. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sausage and garlic mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Fresh Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir constantly until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
- Mix in Cheese and Pasta Water: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water into the sauce, stirring well to combine. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic butter beef bowtie pasta immediately, topped with crumbled feta cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
- Choose spicy or sweet Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Feta cheese topping is optional but adds a nice tang to complement the creamy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
