If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish masterfully combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta with savory ground beef and Italian sausage, all enveloped in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, brightened up by fresh spinach and topped off with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is delightfully simple with just a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to this dish. From the rich, savory meats to the vibrant greens and fragrant garlic, every item in the list plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously saucy.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without too much fat.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy to suit your heat preference and add depth to the flavor.
- 3 tbsp Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Perfect for browning the meats and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key for that punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and body; crushed tomatoes will provide a smoother sauce if preferred.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Gives a fresh, bright pop of color and nutrition; kale is a great alternative.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty finish that ties everything together; nutritional yeast works well for a vegan twist.
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Helps loosen and perfect the sauce consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For those who want to add an exciting bit of heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta from the inside out, building flavor right from the start. Add your rotini and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure not to overcook it because the pasta will continue to soften once tossed with the sauce. Before draining, carefully set aside ½ cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s pure gold for adjusting the sauce’s texture later on.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with your spatula as they sizzle. This step releases all those deep, savory flavors that form the backbone of this recipe. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is beautifully browned and cooked through. Browning the meat properly adds richness and an irresistible aroma to the dish.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add 3 tablespoons of butter along with minced garlic right into the same skillet. The butter melts into a golden pool, soaking up the garlic’s fragrance, infusing the whole dish with warmth and depth. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burned—it’s the moment when the kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Stir in the diced tomatoes along with that reserved pasta water you set aside earlier. The combination brings a lovely balance of acidity and moisture, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Let it simmer gently over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Toss in Fresh Spinach
Now it’s time to add 4 cups of fresh spinach. Stir the greens into the warm sauce and watch them wilt beautifully in just a couple of minutes, adding a bright color and fresh taste that lighten the rich meats and garlic butter sauce. This is where the dish really starts to sing!
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini directly into the skillet with your savory sauce and tender greens. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated, soaking up all those luscious flavors. This last step brings all the ingredients into perfect harmony, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
Remove your skillet from the heat and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta, adding a salty, nutty finish. Taste the dish and add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your liking. The balance of seasoning here makes a huge difference—don’t be shy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe even further, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, herby touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish, and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper heighten the aroma right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. A simple roasted vegetable medley, like zucchini or asparagus, also complements the richness perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe in individual pasta bowls topped with delicate Parmesan crisps or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture. You can also layer it in a wide, shallow dish and finish under a broiler with extra cheese for a melty, bubbly crust that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, stir occasionally to avoid the sauce separating, and keep the pasta from sticking together by adding a little olive oil before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the delicate flavors and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess in the sauce. Alternatively, a microwave works fine but stop and stir every minute to heat evenly and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the garlic butter sauce, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work beautifully as well. Just keep the cooking time in mind and adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or simply increase the amount of spinach and add hearty mushrooms or lentils to keep it satisfying.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option or want a vegan twist, nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute that provides a similar nutty, cheesy flavor. Other hard vegan cheeses also work well.
How spicy is this dish with the Italian sausage?
The spiciness depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps the dish gentle and family-friendly, while spicy sausage delivers a flavorful kick. You can always add or omit red pepper flakes to adjust heat.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and brown the meats earlier in the day. Just store them separately and combine everything when you’re ready to finish the sauce and serve, which is great for busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, making it a true kitchen favorite. The marriage of bold meats, garlicky richness, and fresh greens creates a bowl full of comfort and color that everyone will love. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings alike.
Print
Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining al dente rotini pasta with savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, fresh garlic butter sauce, and vibrant spinach, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors. The dish is finished with grated Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (Whole wheat or gluten-free can be substituted)
Meats
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Use lean for lower fat)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Mild or spicy based on preference)
Sauce & Flavorings
- 3 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be used for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used as a substitute)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh is ideal)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (Crushed tomatoes can be used for a smoother sauce)
Greens & Cheese
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast as a vegan alternative)
Other
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water (Essential for adjusting sauce consistency)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes (For added heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, ensuring an even texture and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meats. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter is melted, infusing the meat mixture with rich flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes and reserved pasta water into the skillet. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and adjust the sauce consistency.
- Incorporate Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir, letting it wilt into the sauce over about 2 minutes. This adds a fresh, nutritious component and balances the richness of the meats and butter.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is well coated with the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for an added heat kick. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free rotini for dietary preferences.
- For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil or use lean ground beef.
- Spinach can be swapped for kale or other leafy greens based on availability.
- Crushed tomatoes can be used instead of diced for a smoother sauce texture.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to adjust sauce consistency and enhances cohesion.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice spicy touch if desired.
