Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

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This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is an indulgent yet incredibly easy dish that brings bold Italian flavors right to your dinner table. Imagine a mountain of al dente spaghetti twirled together with garlicky butter, juicy crumbles of Italian sausage, tender sautéed spinach, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all crowned with a golden-bubbly layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s hearty, saucy, and full of texture with every forkful delivering a perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or trying to impress guests with something comforting yet special, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s one of those meals that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table without needing a second call. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some leafy greens without sacrificing flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

• Comfort food meets gourmet: It’s a cross between a spaghetti bake and a lasagna-style stack—without all the fuss.
• Full of flavor: The garlic butter base enhances the sausage and spinach, while the cheesy top locks everything in.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will go back for seconds.
• Great for leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day.
• Customizable: Easily make it spicy, low-carb, or vegetarian by swapping ingredients.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Equipment and Their Importance)

Before diving into this savory stack of cheesy, garlicky goodness, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right tools. While this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is straightforward, using the proper equipment ensures the dish turns out as delicious as it looks.

• Large Pot – For boiling your spaghetti to that perfect al dente texture. You’ll need enough room to let the pasta cook evenly without clumping.
• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – This is crucial for browning the sausage, melting the butter, and sautéing the garlic and spinach together. A wide surface allows everything to caramelize and blend without steaming.
• Mixing Bowl – To toss the spaghetti with the garlic butter sauce and sausage mixture before baking.
• Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Skillet – You’ll want a deep 9×9-inch dish (or equivalent) to layer the pasta and cheese. This is what helps get that perfect cheesy crust.
• Tongs or Pasta Fork – For easy mixing and serving without breaking the noodles.
• Box Grater – If using fresh mozzarella and parmesan (highly recommended), a grater makes the cheese melt more evenly.
• Aluminum Foil – To cover during the initial baking so everything melds before the top gets that golden crisp.

Having everything prepped ahead and within reach makes the cooking process smoother, faster, and way more enjoyable.

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Preparation Tips

• Salt the pasta water generously: Think “like the sea.” It’s your first chance to season the noodles from the inside out.
• Cook the sausage until browned, not just cooked through: You want those flavorful browned bits to stick to the pan—they’re golden flavor!
• Drain the fat but keep a bit: Too much grease? No good. But leaving a touch behind gives richness to the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the spinach: It should wilt but still look vibrant and green, not slimy.
• Let the dish rest after baking: Just 5–7 minutes allows it to set and slice better, without falling apart into a saucy mess.

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

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed pasta masterpiece. These ingredients are simple, but when layered just right, they deliver bold, rich results.

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti – Cooked al dente; you want it firm enough to hold its shape during baking.
• 1 lb Italian sausage – Mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Remove from casings if needed.
• 3 cups fresh spinach – Washed and roughly chopped.
• 4 cloves garlic – Minced finely for that aromatic base.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – The foundation of the garlic butter flavor.
• 1 cup marinara or tomato basil sauce – Adds moisture and deep Italian flavor.
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, melty top.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finish.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Optional but enhances overall flavor balance.
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Optional Add-ins:

• Red pepper flakes – For a spicy kick.
• Fresh basil – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
• Ricotta or cream cheese (2 tbsp) – Mixed into the pasta for a creamier texture.

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This ingredient list is flexible—feel free to add mushrooms, onions, or use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti depending on dietary needs.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s bring this dish to life step by step. Expect sizzling aromas and bubbling cheese before you even hit the oven.

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Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain, but don’t rinse—reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the mixture later.

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Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet with the sausage, followed by the minced garlic. Stir for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute.

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Step 4: Add the Sauce and Combine

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together with the sausage, garlic butter, and spinach. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it feels too thick.

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Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish, pile in the pasta mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Cover loosely with foil.

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Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake covered for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Watch closely to avoid burning.

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Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5–7 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and the flavors meld beautifully.

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Notes

• Use quality cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan melt better and taste richer than pre-shredded varieties.
• Control the sauce: If your sausage is very greasy or your marinara is watery, reduce it slightly before mixing to avoid a soggy bake.
• Stack it high: Don’t be afraid to mound the pasta like a lasagna stack—it creates that thick, layered effect that holds the dish together and looks impressive on the plate.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: You’ll be baking it again, so slightly undercooked is ideal. Soft pasta won’t hold the structure of the stack.
• Skipping the garlic sauté step: Raw garlic tossed in at the end won’t release its full flavor. Let it bloom in butter for maximum impact.
• Drenching it in sauce: Too much sauce can make the dish soupy. You’re not making spaghetti soup—you want a sticky, saucy blend that clings to the noodles.
• Using low-fat cheese: It doesn’t melt or brown as well and can leave a rubbery texture. Full-fat mozzarella = melty magic.
• Not preheating the oven: Cold oven = sad cheese. Always give your oven time to heat fully before baking or broiling.
• Broiling too long: Cheese can go from bubbly to burnt fast. Watch it like a hawk during the last 2–3 minutes.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal from a comforting dinner to a full-blown Italian-style feast. Go for balance—something fresh, crunchy, or tangy to contrast the creamy, cheesy pasta.

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8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Mop up that extra sauce with warm, crispy bread. It’s a classic combo for a reason.
2. Simple Arugula or Caesar Salad
   A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar adds freshness and crunch to the plate.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Try balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts, roasted zucchini, or bell peppers to add earthy, sweet contrast.
4. Caprese Salad
   Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic drizzle give a cool, bright counterbalance to the hot pasta.
5. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
   Lightly charred asparagus adds a crisp bite and a citrusy lift.
6. Antipasto Platter
   Small bites like olives, marinated artichokes, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella can kick off the meal beautifully.
7. Tomato Basil Soup
   Great for colder evenings. A small bowl alongside this pasta is pure comfort.
8. Sparkling Water or Red Wine
   For drinks, serve with a sparkling San Pellegrino or a bold Chianti to complement the richness of the dish.

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Storage Instructions

This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach holds up well for leftovers, making it a great meal prep or next-day lunch option.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation (which can make it soggy).
• Freezer: You can freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags for up to 2 months. Freeze in individual servings for easier reheating.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual portions on medium heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
• Pro Tip: Add a splash of water or marinara sauce before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~590 kcal
Protein	28g
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	13g
Unsaturated Fat	16g
Trans Fat	0.5g
Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	5g
Sodium	970mg
Cholesterol	75mg
Serving Size	1/6 of dish
Category	Dinner/Pasta
Method	Baked
Cuisine	Italian-American
Diet	High-Protein (not vegetarian)

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While spaghetti works great, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente before baking.

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2. Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. For a kick, sprinkle some chili flakes while cooking or at the table.

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3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dish (minus baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if cooking it straight from the fridge.

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4. How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. The garlic butter and cheese still bring tons of flavor without meat.

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5. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the pan to avoid watering down the dish.

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6. What’s the best cheese for topping?

Mozzarella and parmesan are the classic duo. For extra richness, try adding provolone or fontina, or a dollop of ricotta before baking.

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7. Can I freeze it after baking?

Definitely. Let it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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8. Is it kid-friendly?

Yes! The savory sausage, gooey cheese, and mild garlic flavor are all kid-approved. Just skip any added heat and you’re good to go.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach isn’t just another pasta night—it’s a flavor-packed, family-pleasing, comfort-food masterpiece. From the buttery garlic sauce to the hearty sausage and melty cheese, every bite is layered with richness and balance. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or reheat leftovers for lunch, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.

So next time you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and easy to put together, remember this dish. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want pasta that goes above and beyond.

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