If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe is going to be your next obsession. Combining the rich, savory flavors of beef and Italian sausage with the comforting creaminess of garlic butter, tender rotini pasta, and fresh spinach, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s hearty yet fresh, indulgent but balanced, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll instantly become a go-to dish in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe plays a starring role, bringing a perfect flavor, texture, or pop of color. The list is simple but each component is essential to building layers of taste that will have your taste buds singing.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta: The twists of rotini hold sauce beautifully, but penne or fusilli work just as well for a similar bite.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor; you can swap this for turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Provides a spicy, savory punch—choose mild or hot according to your heat preference.
- 3 tablespoons Butter: Creates a luscious, silky sauce base, though olive oil can lighten things up if desired.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Helps brown the meats and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must here to infuse the dish with that irresistible aroma and depth.
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: Offers a bright acidity and juicy texture to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water helps marry the sauce and pasta into one harmonious bite.
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy contrast—kale is a sturdy alternative.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, savory finish that ties everything together; nutritional yeast works well for dairy-free needs.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds a fiery spark if you like a little kick.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining—the secret to that silky sauce we’ll build later!
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Be sure to leave all those little browned bits in the pan, as they pack incredible flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its heady aroma.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir everything together. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully, while the tomatoes reduce slightly to a rich sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Pasta Water
Turn the heat to low, add the butter and reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the butter melts and the sauce becomes creamy, silky, and perfectly coats every piece of rotini.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese
Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted—this will keep it bright and tender. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring gently so it melts into the sauce adding a wonderful savory depth.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well, then serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of herbal freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds that finishing touch with a bit of shimmer and savoriness.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also excellent to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add wonderful texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large, warm serving bowl so everyone can dig in and share the love. Or, dress it up by layering the pasta in individual bowls and topping each with a roasted cherry tomato or a small wedge of lemon for color and zest. For parties, portioning into mini ramekins and broiling a bit of cheese on top makes a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect leftover lunch or next-day dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portions if you want to keep it longer. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and remember to cool completely beforehand. When properly stored, it will keep well for up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often and heat just until warmed through to keep the pasta tender and sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can dry out the meat and cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, fusilli, penne, or even farfalle work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty sautéed mushrooms and extra spinach. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep it vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level largely depends on your Italian sausage choice and if you add red pepper flakes. You can always control the heat by choosing mild sausage and skipping or reducing the flakes.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the sauce and pasta separately a day ahead, then combine and reheat just before serving. This saves time and still delivers fresh, satisfying flavors.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard are fantastic alternatives. Just make sure to add them a bit earlier in the cooking process as they take longer to wilt than spinach.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe—how it brings big, comforting flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels luxurious but comes together quickly and effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy every bite!
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Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining tender rotini pasta with juicy ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, this meal delivers a perfect balance of savory, comforting flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (Can substitute with fusilli or penne.)
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with turkey or chicken.)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (Choose mild or hot as per preference.)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons Butter (Can replace with olive oil for a lighter option.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic is recommended.)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (Can use canned or fresh.)
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water (Important for sauce consistency.)
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- to taste Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for spice.)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be used as an alternative.)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can substitute for dairy-free.)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the meat mixture and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Diced Tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors and reduce the moisture slightly.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the meat and tomato mixture. Stir to melt the butter through the sauce, then gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring continuously until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlic butter meat sauce.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute rotini with fusilli or penne for a different pasta shape.
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter variation.
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a lower fat version.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for maximum flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Kale can be used in place of spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
