Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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Golden strands of spaghetti tangled in rich garlic butter, nestled with juicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and blanketed in bubbling melted cheese—this dish is a comfort food dream come true. Every forkful offers a harmony of flavors: savory sausage, earthy greens, and the warmth of garlic, all tied together in a cheesy embrace.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings bold Italian-inspired comfort straight to your table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Classic spaghetti works beautifully, but you can also try thin spaghetti (spaghettini) for a lighter bite or bucatini for extra chew. Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti also hold up well in the garlic butter sauce if you’re looking for alternatives.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

• Spaghetti – The base of the dish, perfect for holding the garlic butter sauce.
• Italian sausage – Adds hearty flavor and a hint of spice.
• Spinach – Brings freshness, color, and balance to the richness.
• Garlic – The star aromatic, infusing the butter with bold flavor.
• Butter – Creates a luscious coating for the pasta.
• Marinara or tomato sauce – Enhances depth and ties everything together.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that cheesy pull.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty finish.
• Olive oil – For cooking the sausage and garlic to perfection.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper) – Elevates the flavor profile and gives the dish its Italian soul.

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How To Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

Lower the heat to medium, add butter, and once melted, toss in minced garlic. Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add fresh spinach. Cook until wilted, tossing occasionally.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in marinara or tomato sauce and mix well with the sausage, garlic, and spinach. Season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

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Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing until every strand is coated in the garlic butter tomato sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

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Step 6: Add the Cheese

Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven, garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

This pasta is best enjoyed hot out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and stretchy. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. If you want to go all out, a glass of red wine will complement the rich Italian sausage flavors beautifully.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the pasta feels a little dry, splash in a tablespoon of water before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Yes! Chicken sausage is a great lighter alternative and works just as well in this recipe.

What type of cheese melts best on top?

Mozzarella is ideal for that gooey pull, but provolone or fontina can add extra creaminess and flavor.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sausage mixture in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake with cheese just before serving.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta, and reduce the cheese slightly while adding more spinach for balance.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach, you’ll enjoy these other hearty pasta favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty twist.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you’re craving cheesy comfort.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for another spin on garlic and pasta goodness.
• One-Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you like things bold and spicy.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for seafood lovers who want a kick of spice.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever pasta night calls.

And don’t forget to share how yours turned out! Did you keep it classic with mozzarella, or mix in fontina or provolone? Maybe you added mushrooms for extra depth?

I love hearing your variations and tips. Questions are always welcome—let’s make pasta night delicious for everyone. 🍝

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