Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish loaded with bold flavors. A creamy garlic butter sauce wraps around every noodle, while Italian sausage and fresh spinach add richness and balance. Perfect for weeknights when you need a cozy, satisfying meal fast.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb Italian sausage (hot or sweet)
4 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
4. Add heavy cream to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add drained spaghetti and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in an additional ¼ cup cream before serving.
Use pre-washed baby spinach for quicker prep and a tender texture.
For a crispy cheese top, broil the pan (oven-safe) for 2 minutes instead of covering it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 930
- Fat: 48
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 120
Keywords: cheesy spaghetti, sausage pasta, garlic butter spaghetti