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

Scale

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)

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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.