Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and gourmet, then you’re going to love making Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach. This dish combines tender rotini pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and bright, fresh spinach that adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. It’s an easy-to-make meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend indulgences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter, seasoned beef, and Italian sausage creates a deeply satisfying, mouthwatering taste.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies to customize it based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
• Balanced with Greens: The fresh spinach adds a nutritious burst of color and complements the rich meat and butter sauce perfectly.
• Family Favorite: This crowd-pleaser is loved by kids and adults alike thanks to its hearty, comforting flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the recipe right means focusing on a handful of essential ingredients that bring this dish to life. Each element plays a role—whether it’s the garlic butter that gives it signature richness or the meats that provide savory depth, all while the spinach balances the flavors beautifully.

• Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the garlic butter sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
• Ground beef: Adds a meaty, hearty base with a rich texture that’s perfect alongside the sausage.
• Italian sausage: Brings a spicy, aromatic kick that elevates the dish’s taste profile instantly.
• Fresh spinach: Offers vibrant color, subtle freshness, and a boost of vitamins.
• Butter and garlic: The core of the sauce; creamy and flavorful, it infuses the pasta and meats with classic comfort.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
• Onion and garlic cloves: Build a fragrant, savory base for the meat mixture.
• Olive oil: Helps in cooking the meats and softening the spinach without overpowering the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

Variations for Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tweak for different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own personal favorite.

• Swap meats: Use chicken sausage or ground turkey instead of Italian sausage for a lighter version.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the beef and sausage with hearty mushrooms and a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use different pasta: Fusilli, penne, or even farfalle work beautifully if you want a pasta swap.

How to Make Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Rotini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir until melted, then add additional minced garlic and cook just until fragrant to infuse the sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and toss until wilted, which should take just a couple of minutes. The spinach will soften and merge seamlessly into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water little by little to adjust the sauce consistency until it beautifully coats the pasta.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

• Choose quality sausage: Good Italian sausage makes a huge flavor difference—try to find one with herbs and mild spice.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking to al dente helps the rotini hold its shape and soak up the garlic butter sauce without becoming mushy.
• Use fresh garlic: It offers a brighter and more intense flavor than pre-minced alternatives.
• Reserve pasta water: Adding a splash loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
• Wilt spinach quickly: Toss it at the end to keep its color bright and texture tender, not soggy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a bit of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant and flavorful finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that tasty butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating this dish in individual mini skillets for a rustic look or twirl the rotini into elegant nests topped with a sausage slice for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—just transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work just as well—choose what you love or have available.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain the savory depth.

How spicy is the Italian sausage in this recipe?

The level of spice depends on the sausage you choose; mild Italian sausage will add flavor without heat, while spicy varieties will add a pleasant kick.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the meat and garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it, then warm it and toss with freshly cooked rotini and spinach before serving.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I’m allergic or vegan?

Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in vegan dishes or a dairy-free cheese alternative suitable for your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach is a true crowd-pleaser that balances rich, comforting flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dish!

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