Name: Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz rotini pasta; ½ lb ground beef; ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 4 cups fresh spinach; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Some dinners feel like a hug in a bowl—and this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach is exactly that. I first made this on a rainy Tuesday evening when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. The moment I took that first bite—creamy, garlicky pasta with juicy sausage, tender ground beef, and perfectly wilted spinach—I knew this one was a keeper. It’s comforting, flavorful, and wildly satisfying, all without a complicated ingredient list or prep.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. In about 30 minutes, you get a dish that feels like it came from your favorite Italian spot. The rotini holds onto every bit of that silky garlic butter sauce, the beef and sausage add depth and richness, and the spinach brings a hint of freshness to balance it all out. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just feeding yourself with style—this dish gets it right every time.

Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish checks every box for a weeknight dinner. It’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. You won’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and a few fridge essentials. The creamy garlic butter sauce clings to the rotini like it was made for it, and the combination of beef and sausage brings a savory punch that makes every bite exciting. It’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or lunch boxes. Plus, it’s family-approved and freezer-friendly—what’s not to love?

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach?

Rotini is my go-to for this dish because those little spirals trap every drop of the garlic butter sauce beautifully. It’s the perfect pasta to coat evenly with all the rich, savory flavors happening here. But if you don’t have rotini on hand, don’t worry. Fusilli, penne, or even rigatoni can be excellent alternatives. The key is to use a shape with ridges or twists that hold onto sauce well. Smooth pasta like spaghetti or linguine won’t carry the same punch in every bite.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak it to fit your pantry, diet, or preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Meat: Not into beef or sausage? Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a vegetarian take, swap the meat entirely for sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
Pasta: Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Short shapes work best here to soak up the sauce.
Spinach: Kale, arugula, or even chopped zucchini can step in for spinach. Just sauté until tender.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream or a splash of coconut milk for the sauce. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy hint.
Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes if you like heat or omit them if you’re feeding little ones.

This recipe is all about making it yours—so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Ingredients for Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Every ingredient in this dish brings something special to the table. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for catching all that garlicky, buttery sauce in every bite.
Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and heartiness to the dish.
Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Brings bold, savory seasoning and a juicy texture.
Fresh Spinach: Balances the richness with freshness and color.
Butter: The base of our garlic sauce—creamy, indulgent, and flavorful.
Garlic (freshly minced): Infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic punch that ties everything together.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Adds sharpness, depth, and saltiness to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat to elevate the flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and the final dish.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the meat and garlic—adds richness and depth.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed, if needed). Break the meat up with a spoon and cook until fully browned and caramelized, about 7–9 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Push the cooked meat to the side of the pan and melt the butter in the open space. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s fragrant and golden, stir it into the meat.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir gently to combine with the garlic butter and meat mixture. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the sauce—this should take 1–2 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce and evenly mixed with the meat and spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

How Long to Cook Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 30 minutes:

Pasta cooking time: 8–10 minutes
Browning meat: 7–9 minutes
Garlic + sauce + spinach: 5–7 minutes
Final assembly: 3–5 minutes

This quick timeline makes it ideal for weeknights when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend all night at the stove.

Tips for Perfect Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better into the sauce and gives a more authentic flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t overcook the spinach: Add it last and stir just until it wilts. Overcooked spinach can turn slimy and lose its vibrancy.
Reserve pasta water: The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce and creates that restaurant-quality silkiness.
Use a large skillet or sauté pan: You’ll need the room to toss everything together without spilling.
Brown the meat well: Let the beef and sausage get a nice sear—it builds flavor and texture.
Taste as you go: Especially when adding salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Rest before serving: Let the pasta sit off heat for 2–3 minutes before serving—it allows the sauce to thicken slightly and settle into the pasta.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple pasta dish can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to avoid to keep your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach tasting restaurant-worthy:

Overcooking the pasta: Aim for al dente. Mushy pasta won’t hold up to the rich sauce.
Skipping the pasta water: This liquid gold can save your sauce if it thickens too much or needs a silkier texture.
Burning the garlic: Garlic goes from fragrant to bitter in seconds. Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly.
Adding spinach too early: It only needs a minute or two to wilt—any longer and you’ll lose its color and texture.
Not draining the meat: Too much grease can make the sauce feel heavy. If your sausage and beef release a lot of fat, drain some off before building the sauce.

What to Serve With Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach?

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience.

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce—because you won’t want to waste it.

Simple Arugula or Caesar Salad

A crisp, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar helps balance the richness.

Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts

Toss them in olive oil and garlic for a roasted veggie side that complements the pasta beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic make a refreshing starter.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms

Earthy, buttery, and packed with umami—an easy yet elegant side dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

Something like a Chianti or Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with the sausage and garlic.

Lemon Herb Chicken Cutlets

For a protein-packed side if you’re feeding extra-hungry guests or want leftovers for tomorrow.

Storage Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores like a dream.

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 45-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but the texture of the spinach and pasta may change slightly. For best results, freeze in individual portions and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Estimated Nutrition

These values are approximate and based on a single serving out of 6 total servings:

Calories: 580
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 740mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups

This recipe is indulgent but satisfying, and you can always adjust the cream, cheese, or meat portions if you’re looking to lighten it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?

If you want to dial up the heat, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, and sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or chili oil at the end for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the full dish a day in advance and reheat it gently with a splash of water or cream. It also holds up well for meal prep.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works just fine for a lighter sauce. For a non-dairy version, coconut milk or an unsweetened oat cream can also do the trick, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Do I have to use both beef and sausage?

Not at all. You can use just ground beef, just sausage, or any combo you prefer. Even ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work well here.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce tightens up too much as it sits, just stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or broth while reheating to loosen it up and restore the silky texture.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers all make great additions. Just sauté them along with or after the meat.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! You can skip the red pepper flakes to make it milder, and the creamy garlic flavor is usually a big hit with little ones.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Just substitute the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage to make sure it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be safe.

Conclusion

This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, cozy, and packed with flavor from simple ingredients that work together like magic. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something satisfying after a long day—this dish hits the mark every time. It’s bold yet balanced, indulgent yet easy, and exactly the kind of weeknight win we all need in our rotation.