Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, creaminess, and comfort? This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a decadent, savory pasta dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. It’s rich, filling, and easy to make—all while blending the perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, seasoned meat, garlicky goodness, and wholesome spinach.

Why This Spaghetti Dish Stands Out

While classic spaghetti often leans on tomato-based sauces, this version breaks tradition by leaning into a creamy garlic butter sauce packed with cheese and spices. Combined with juicy Italian sausage, lean ground beef, and tender spinach, this pasta offers deep flavor and texture. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner or weekend comfort feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this mouthwatering cheesy garlic butter spaghetti, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Each component plays a critical role in the layers of richness and complexity, ensuring a pasta dish that’s creamy, savory, and completely satisfying.

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through.

4. Prepare the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy base.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes rich and smooth.

5. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Meat

Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the cheese sauce and the meat-spinach mixture, then toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are well combined.

6. Serve Hot

Plate the spaghetti and garnish with extra grated Parmesan or chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may have anti-caking agents that affect the creaminess.
• Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watering down the sauce.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing Cajun seasoning and paprika based on your preference.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente spaghetti holds up better when tossed with sauce and won’t become mushy.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is possible, but stirring halfway through helps maintain a creamy texture.

This recipe is not ideal for freezing due to the high dairy content, which can cause the sauce to separate.

What to Serve with This Pasta

This rich spaghetti dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• Crisp Caesar or green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 820
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fat: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
  Note: Values vary depending on specific brands and ingredient quantities.

A Final Note

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach delivers creamy richness, bold seasoning, and a satisfying bite of meat and greens in every forkful. It’s a restaurant-worthy pasta you can enjoy from the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for both weeknight cravings and hearty family meals, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

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