Some dinners come together like magic, and this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is exactly that kind of meal. It’s rich, savory, loaded with textures and flavors—from the crisped edges of seared sausage to the silky garlic butter sauce hugging every bite of pasta. I whipped this up on a rainy evening when I needed something hearty but not overly complicated, and by the time it hit the table, I knew it would be a new favorite in my rotation.

What makes this dish really stand out is the perfect contrast of the tender pasta with the golden seared sausage pieces, all held together by creamy, garlicky goodness and a generous handful of fresh spinach that wilts into the sauce just right. It’s comfort food without being too heavy, and it manages to be both crowd-pleasing and surprisingly elegant. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, this is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

One-pan comfort: Everything cooks down in one skillet after boiling the pasta—less cleanup, more flavor.
Balanced richness: Creamy sauce without being overly heavy, thanks to garlic butter and a touch of broth.
Hearty yet fresh: The richness of beef and sausage is brightened by wilted spinach and aromatic herbs.
Perfect for weeknights: Quick to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Leftovers are gold: This reheats beautifully, making tomorrow’s lunch even more exciting.

What Type of Sausage Works Best in Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach?

I’ve tested this dish with several types of sausage, and I always come back to Italian sausage—either sweet or mild. The seasoning in Italian sausage adds depth without overpowering the garlic butter sauce. If you love a kick, hot Italian sausage brings that spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Ground sausage works too, but I prefer cutting sausage links into chunks and searing them for that golden crust on the outside and juicy bite inside.

If you’re not a fan of pork, you can easily swap in beef sausage or even chicken sausage. Just make sure whatever you choose is well-seasoned, since it plays a major role in the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Options for Substitutions

Not everyone has the same pantry or preferences, so let’s talk easy swaps:

Pasta: Penne holds the sauce beautifully, but rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle are great alternatives. Even spaghetti works in a pinch.
Meat: Don’t want beef and sausage? Go for ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Cream: Heavy cream is ideal for richness, but half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk can work for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Spinach: Swap it with kale, arugula, or frozen spinach (just thaw and squeeze out excess water).
Cheese: Mozzarella melts into that perfect gooey finish, but feel free to mix in parmesan, provolone, or even gouda.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role—whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or tying everything together with richness.

Penne Pasta
The ideal shape for holding onto creamy sauces—every bite captures flavor in the ridges and tubes.
Ground Beef
Adds a savory, hearty element and blends well with the sausage for a meat-lover’s dream base.
Italian Sausage (sliced or broken into chunks)
Brings spice, herbs, and juicy bites that sear beautifully and infuse the sauce with flavor.
Fresh Spinach
Softens into the sauce, balancing out the richness with a fresh, earthy finish.
Garlic (minced)
The star of the sauce—adds depth, aroma, and that warm, comforting base note.
Butter
Makes the garlic sauce silky and luxurious; it’s what gives the dish that luscious mouthfeel.
Heavy Cream
Thickens the sauce and binds everything together with a smooth, creamy consistency.
Chicken or Beef Broth
Adds moisture and an extra layer of savory flavor to keep the sauce from being too heavy.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Melts into pockets of gooey perfection and helps bind the pasta, meat, and sauce together.
Italian Seasoning
A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—this blend elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning each layer to bring out the best in every bite.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Sear the sausage chunks first until deeply browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the cooked meat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

Step 4: Add Cream, Broth, and Seasoning

Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and absorb the flavors from the pan.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until just wilted. This should take about 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Add the cooked penne and the seared sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes until melted. For a more golden, cheesy top, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if it’s oven-safe.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired, and serve immediately while creamy and melty.

How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner guests. Here’s the basic time breakdown:

Pasta Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes (al dente)
Searing Sausage & Browning Beef: 8–10 minutes total
Sauce Preparation & Simmering: 6–8 minutes
Assembly & Finishing: 4–5 minutes

Total cook time: Around 25–30 minutes once your ingredients are prepped.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Use a large skillet so everything can mix and simmer without overcrowding—this helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better when stirred into the sauce and reheated later.
Brown the sausage well—those caramelized edges add a punch of flavor to the entire dish.
Let the garlic bloom, not burn—sauté it just until golden and fragrant. Burnt garlic turns bitter fast.
Layer your seasoning—season the meat, season the sauce, and taste as you go.
Reserve pasta water—this helps loosen the sauce without watering it down, keeping it creamy and glossy.
Add cheese at the end—melting mozzarella into the hot pasta gives you those irresistible gooey, cheesy pockets.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this one can go sideways with a few easy-to-make missteps. Here’s what to avoid to keep your Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach on point:

Overcrowding the pan when browning sausage or beef can lead to steaming instead of searing. Give the meat room to get those flavorful brown edges.
Overcooking the pasta results in a mushy texture once it simmers in the sauce. Stick to al dente.
Using low-fat cream substitutes can cause the sauce to separate. If you’re lightening it up, use full-fat alternatives like coconut cream or a combo of milk and flour—but expect a different texture.
Forgetting to taste as you go means you could end up with a bland sauce. Season each layer!
Adding spinach too early can overcook it into mush. Add it just before combining the dish for perfect wilted greens.
Dumping cold cheese on top without letting it melt properly can make your sauce clumpy instead of creamy. Use shredded cheese and cover the pan for that smooth melt.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach?

This dish is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can take it to another level—whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner at home.

Garlic Bread

Classic and a must. Perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons balance the creaminess with a refreshing crunch.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted greens add a slight bitterness that plays nicely with the richness of the sauce.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a light, cool contrast to the warm, hearty pasta.

Antipasto Skewers

Great for entertaining—think olives, salami, cheese, and artichokes on toothpicks.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms with garlic and herbs deepen the umami profile and complement the sausage perfectly.

Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce on the Side

Let spice lovers dial up the heat on their plates.

A Light Red Wine or Sparkling Water with Citrus

The acid helps cleanse your palate between bites.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach are not just welcome—they might be even better the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but keep in mind that the cream sauce may change texture slightly when reheated. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on brands and portion sizes.

Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (~1.5 cups)
Calories: 610
Protein: 29g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 970mg

This dish is indulgent, no doubt, but it also packs in protein, iron from spinach, and energy-sustaining carbs—making it a satisfying all-in-one meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on the sausage you use. Mild or sweet Italian sausage will keep it gentle, while hot Italian sausage adds a noticeable kick. You can always sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want to dial up the heat.

Can I make this recipe without beef?

Absolutely. You can double up on sausage, use ground turkey or chicken, or even go meatless with a plant-based alternative. The sauce holds its own either way.

What kind of cream should I use for the sauce?

Heavy cream gives the best texture and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick or velvety.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the pasta slightly under (just shy of al dente), assemble everything, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta and double-checking that your sausage and broth are also gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini sautéed in with the meat would be excellent. Just don’t overload it to the point the sauce gets lost.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping in the sauce?

Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents), and add it after removing the dish from direct heat. Let the residual warmth melt it gently.

Can I bake this pasta after assembling it?

Yes! Turn it into a baked pasta by assembling it in a baking dish, topping with extra mozzarella, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is that perfect blend of indulgent and approachable. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together without too much stress but still feel like you’re serving something special. With its rich sauce, comforting textures, and balanced flavors, it fits right into busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or those “I deserve something amazing tonight” kind of meals.

Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own with substitutions and add-ins, this dish will reward you with bite after bite of cozy, cheesy, garlicky goodness. It’s everything you love in a pasta dish—and then some.