Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

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When you’re craving a soul-warming comfort dish that brings bold flavors to your table, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach delivers big time. Imagine luscious strands of linguine coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, layered with savory ground beef and spicy Italian sausage, balanced by the earthy touch of sautéed spinach. Topped with golden, melty cheese, every bite is indulgent and satisfying.

This is the kind of pasta dish that transforms a weeknight dinner into something special. It’s easy enough to throw together after a long day, but flavorful and hearty enough to impress guests or satisfy a Sunday family dinner. With layers of texture and flavor, it’s the ultimate pasta comfort food.


What Kind of Linguine Should I Use?

You can use regular dried linguine for this recipe, which works wonderfully to absorb the garlic butter sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, fresh linguine takes it up a notch with its silky texture. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up well to the hearty toppings and sauce.


Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

  • Linguine Pasta: The perfect base for soaking up all that garlic butter and cheese.
  • Ground Beef: Brings depth and hearty flavor to the dish.
  • Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, herby kick that pairs beautifully with the beef.
  • Fresh Spinach: Balances the richness with a tender, earthy freshness.
  • Garlic: Infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and flavor.
  • Butter: The silky base of the sauce that coats every noodle.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection over the top.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that complements the creaminess.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat to wake up your taste buds.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
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How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.


Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break them apart as they cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.


Step 3: Add the Garlic and Spinach

To the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.


Step 4: Combine With Pasta

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, gently tossing it with the garlic butter sauce, meat, and spinach. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.


Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also broil it briefly for a golden top.


Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and melty—this dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan!


Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

This cheesy pasta is incredibly satisfying as a main course. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet or transferred into a large serving bowl. Pair it with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread for a full, cozy meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. The cheese may thicken as it sits, so loosen it up while warming.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni would all work. Just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the meat and garlic butter spinach mixture ahead, then cook the pasta and assemble when ready to serve. Melt the cheese fresh for best results.

What kind of sausage works best?

Spicy Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can use sweet or mild if preferred.

How can I make it creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese while tossing the pasta in step 4.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and add mushrooms or plant-based sausage instead.

Will frozen spinach work?

It can, but fresh spinach offers better texture and appearance. If using frozen, be sure to drain and squeeze out excess liquid before adding.


Want More Pasta Comforts Like This?

If you loved this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach, don’t stop here—try these other hearty pasta recipes that bring richness and bold flavor to your table:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up anytime: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go with fresh or frozen spinach? Add extra cheese? Maybe a touch of cream? I’d love to hear what made it yours.

Let’s inspire each other with delicious ideas!


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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate cozy dinner dish. Tender linguine noodles are coated in garlicky butter, tossed with sautéed spinach, savory beef and sausage, and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces linguine pasta

1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 pound Italian sausage

4 cups fresh spinach

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.

3. Push the meat to one side, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.

5. Toss in the cooked linguine and pour in reserved pasta water. Stir to coat everything evenly.

6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2–3 minutes, or broil briefly to melt and brown the cheese.

7. Serve hot, garnished with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.


Notes

Fresh spinach wilts better and holds its texture, but frozen can be used in a pinch—just drain well.

For an extra creamy twist, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream when mixing the pasta.

If broiling, watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese top—1 to 2 minutes is plenty.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, cheesy linguine, beef and sausage pasta

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