Rich, savory, and irresistibly creamy, this garlic butter bowtie pasta with Italian sausage and spinach is comfort food at its finest. Imagine tender farfalle coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, punctuated with juicy bites of seasoned sausage and the earthy freshness of spinach. Every forkful is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can transform simple pantry staples into an indulgent pasta masterpiece.

What Kind of Sausage Works Best for This Recipe?

For maximum flavor, opt for fresh Italian sausage links — sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. The natural seasonings in the sausage infuse the sauce, giving every bite a depth of taste you just can’t replicate with pre-cooked varieties.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its ridges and folds.
Italian Sausage – Adds bold, savory flavor and hearty texture.
Ground Beef – Brings extra richness and meatiness to the dish.
Fresh Spinach – Lends a pop of color and a nutritious, slightly earthy note.
Garlic – The aromatic backbone of the sauce.
Butter – Creates the silky, luxurious base for the cream sauce.
Heavy Cream – Delivers the creamy texture and indulgent taste.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Olive Oil – Helps brown the meat and sauté the garlic.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the natural flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking up the meat into bite-sized crumbles. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté until just wilted.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the butter, garlic, and spinach. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, ideally straight from the pan, with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so if reheating, add a little cream or milk to bring it back to its luscious consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well for holding onto the creamy sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely — just omit the sausage and beef, and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

Is it freezer-friendly?

The texture of the cream sauce may change after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well to avoid watering down the sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy bowtie pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in spicy sausage? Did you add extra garlic? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. You can also check out my Pinterest Life with Nina for more delicious inspiration.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

A rich, creamy pasta dish made with tender bowtie pasta, savory Italian sausage, hearty ground beef, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining, then set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat into small crumbles. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with butter, garlic, and spinach. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.

5. Return cooked meat to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add pasta and toss together. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.