If you are searching for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender rotini pasta perfectly coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, mingling beautifully with the savory notes of browned ground beef and Italian sausage, all brightened up by vibrant fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a dish that brings bold flavors together effortlessly while still being so simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you want dinner to impress without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, elevating the flavors and textures in a way that feels both hearty and fresh. From the distinct punch of fresh garlic to the creamy butter and savory meat combo, every component is essential for making this recipe sing.
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta: The perfect spiraled shape to grab hold of all that garlicky sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for boiling water): Enhances the pasta’s flavor right from the start.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Provides a juicy, meaty backbone; turkey works well for a leaner option.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Adds spicy, aromatic depth; chicken sausage is a lighter substitute.
- 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted): Creates a luscious, rich base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing the meats): Helps brown the meat beautifully without burning.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic delivers irresistible fragrance and flavor.
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes: Adds a light acidity and moisture to balance the dish.
- 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Perfect for thickening the sauce without losing silkiness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning): To bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of kick.
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat pop for those who crave spice.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients, wilting into the sauce so beautifully.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Provides that savory, nutty finish; swap with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your rotini pasta. Cooking it until al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes—is key because the pasta needs a little bite to hold up against the rich sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that flavorful pasta water before draining, as it will be a secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add both the ground beef and Italian sausage. Let them cook until they’re beautifully browned and caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes. This browning process develops amazing savory flavors. Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease so the sauce won’t be oily.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the pan. Allow it to melt slowly, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant and golden—this step infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that is absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Pasta Water
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This melding time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to deepen, binding perfectly with the garlic butter base and the savory meat.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach, watching it wilt into the sauce within just a couple of minutes. This adds a lovely burst of color, texture, and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the richness of the meat and butter beautifully.
Step 6: Combine with Rotini
Return the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, making sure every spiral is coated with that garlicky, buttery goodness. This is the magic moment where everything comes together to become one delicious plate.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Turn off the heat, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Toss everything gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and marry all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add those finishing touches that make the dish look as fantastic as it tastes. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a pop of color and fresh aroma. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or another dusting of Parmesan never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
Although this rotini dish is hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can brighten the meal beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia also make excellent companions, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at dinner parties or family meals, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp or a piece of toasted garlic bread standing upright. You can also add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness and a restaurant-worthy presentation that delights the eyes before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it up to maintain flavor and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe later, freezing is possible but best done without the fresh spinach and cheese added beforehand. Freeze the pasta and meat sauce separately to retain texture and flavor, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and finishing with fresh spinach and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist and creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal due to its spiral shape that holds sauce so well, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle can be great substitutes, each bringing their own fun texture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage, and boost the flavor with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Increase the amount of spinach or add other veggies like zucchini for bulk and color.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a busy day?
Yes, you can cook the meat sauce and pasta separately in advance, then combine and reheat just before serving. Adding fresh spinach and cheese fresh at serving time keeps the dish vibrant and fresh.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic on hand?
Fresh garlic is preferred for its bright aroma, but you can use garlic powder instead. Use about ½ teaspoon garlic powder added during the butter melting stage, though fresh garlic truly makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
How do I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to suit your heat preference. The dish will still have plenty of depth and savoriness without the extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. It’s a deliciously simple recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort, delivering a delightful mix of hearty meats, fresh greens, and cheesy, buttery goodness. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly it comes together and how satisfyingly tasty it is every single time!
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender rotini pasta is coated in a rich garlic butter sauce combined with browned ground beef and Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The sauce is thickened with reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency, delivering comforting Italian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for boiling water)
Meats
- 1 pound Ground Beef (or turkey as a lean alternative)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (or chicken sausage for a lighter option)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing the meats)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh preferred)
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (or kale as an alternative)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Pasta Water: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine with Rotini: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss once more to combine all flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey and chicken sausage for a leaner, lighter option.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
- If dairy-free, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
