If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with rich flavors and heartwarming comfort, look no further than this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe. It’s everything you want in a dinner: creamy butter infused with savory garlic, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, a bold combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, and fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknights when you want something indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the foundation for creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Each element plays an essential role, from the tender rotini that holds onto sauce beautifully to the fresh spinach that brightens the whole plate.
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer, but rotini’s spirals are perfect for trapping the garlic butter sauce.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Using lean beef helps keep the dish hearty without excess fat.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy, this adds a robust, seasoned kick that complements the beef.
- 3 tbsp Butter: The star of the sauce, butter gives richness and depth; olive oil can lighten it up if you like.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Used to brown the meat and prevent sticking, with an option to substitute avocado oil for a subtler flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, juicy base; crushed tomatoes work if you prefer a smoother texture.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: This brings vibrant color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to balance the meatiness.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty finish; nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative.
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Essential for loosening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: Add if you love a bit of heat to brighten each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt not only flavors the pasta but also helps keep it al dente. Toss in your rotini and cook it for 8 to 10 minutes, or follow the package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain the pasta but remember to reserve a half cup of the pasta water—it’s magic for smoothing out the sauce later on.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart as it cooks so everything browns evenly. This step is where those deep, savory flavors develop; cooking the meat thoroughly—about 6 to 8 minutes—ensures you get that satisfying texture.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. As the butter melts and mingles with the garlic, your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma. Sauté for about one minute just until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to burn it! This step infuses every bite with rich, comforting flavor.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Simmer
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes along with your reserved pasta water. This combination creates a sauce that’s both hearty and slightly saucy, perfect for coating your rotini. Increase the heat just a little and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Now toss in the fresh spinach. It might look like a lot at first, but spinach wilts quickly, leaving you with little bursts of green in every forkful. Stir for about two minutes until it softens and becomes tender, blending its mild flavor seamlessly with the savory meat sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained rotini back into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are coated evenly with that luscious garlic butter sauce. This is the moment all the textures and flavors come together—creamy butter, tangy tomatoes, savory sausage, and fresh spinach dancing on the pasta spirals.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. The salty, nutty cheese is the perfect finishing touch. Then season with salt, pepper, and if you like a little bite, red pepper flakes. Give it one last gentle toss and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese add an elegant touch. If you love a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts make an amazing complement to the creamy pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to brighten the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce—because trust me, you’ll want to savor every drop!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe in deep pasta bowls to keep the sauce contained and cozy. For a family-style feast, present it in a large skillet at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes on each plate turns it into an inviting, gourmet experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making it perfect for a next-day lunch or dinner that tastes just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze it in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the pasta creamy and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because of its spirals that hold the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and Italian sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use plant-based sausage alternatives to keep that savory flavor.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
You can brown the meat and make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked rotini for best texture.
What type of Italian sausage works best?
Whether you choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depends on your heat preference. Mild sausage lets the other flavors shine, while spicy sausage adds a bold kick. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I reduce the butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the butter for a lighter version or substitute part of it with olive oil. Keep in mind that butter contributes to the sauce’s creamy texture and rich flavor, so adjust according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is truly a joyful dish to make and enjoy. It’s packed with layers of flavor and textures that come together effortlessly, perfect for both cozy family dinners and impressing friends. Next time you want something comforting and satisfying, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This delicious Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring a savory blend of lean ground beef and Italian sausage cooked in garlic butter and combined with fresh spinach and diced tomatoes, this recipe offers a comforting meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors. The addition of Parmesan cheese and a touch of reserved pasta water ensures a creamy, well-balanced sauce that coats every bite of rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (Whole wheat or gluten-free can be substituted)
Protein
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Use lean for lower fat)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Mild or spicy based on preference)
Fat & Oil
- 3 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be used for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used as a substitute)
Produce
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh is ideal)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be substituted)
Canned Goods
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (Crushed tomatoes can be used for a smoother sauce)
Dairy & Alternatives
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast as a vegan alternative)
Other
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water (Essential for adjusting sauce consistency)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for added heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: 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, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water to use later for sauce consistency.
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Continue cooking for about 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with its flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Increase the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Wilt the Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and stir gently, allowing them to wilt into the sauce over approximately 2 minutes. The spinach will reduce in volume and blend well with the meat and tomato sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter, meat, tomato, and spinach sauce mixture.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your taste. Mix gently to meld all flavors before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute butter with olive oil.
- You can use whole wheat or gluten-free rotini for dietary preferences.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, crushed tomatoes can replace diced tomatoes.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan alternative.
- Reserving pasta water is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
