Some dinners just have a way of gathering everyone around the table without hesitation. This creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is one of those meals in my home. The first time I made it was on a Friday evening when I had a mix of ingredients in my fridge, but wasn’t sure what direction to take.
Ground beef, a pack of Italian sausage, a bag of spinach I had been meaning to use, and the usual pantry staples like pasta and cheese. The moment that bubbling skillet hit the table, the rich aroma of garlic butter, smoky spices, and melted cheese instantly pulled my kids in from their rooms without me even having to call.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this pasta come together smoothly, a few key ingredients and tools are essential:
- Penne pasta holds the sauce perfectly in its ridges and tubes.
- Ground beef and Italian sausage provide layers of flavor and heartiness.
- Garlic, onion, and spinach bring freshness and balance to the richness.
- Butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, and cream make the velvety sauce base.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melt into the sauce for creaminess and savory depth.
- Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika give it warmth and boldness.
- Large skillet and saucepan for browning meat and preparing sauce.
- Sturdy pot for boiling pasta.
Having everything prepped and ready before you start cooking makes this dish feel effortless.
What Makes This Recipe Work
There are a few reasons why this recipe is so loved in my house and why it will probably become a staple in yours, too:
- Layered proteins for flavor: Using both ground beef and Italian sausage gives the dish richness and complexity that you wouldn’t get with just one meat. The sausage adds spice while the beef brings balance.
- Garlic butter base: Melting butter with garlic creates a savory foundation that infuses the whole dish with flavor.
- Creamy roux sauce: The flour, butter, and milk mixture creates a silky base that clings to the pasta instead of sliding off. It’s hearty without being too heavy.
- Cheese combination: Parmesan adds saltiness and sharpness, mozzarella melts into stretchy comfort, and cream makes everything smooth. Together, they create that irresistible pull of flavor.
- Spinach for freshness: The spinach lightens the dish, making it feel more rounded while also sneaking in some greens. It softens into the sauce and blends right in.
- Seasonings that shine: Cajun spice gives a kick, Italian seasoning ties the flavors together, and smoked paprika adds depth. Every bite is full of warmth and character.
- Perfect texture: The pasta cooks al dente, the sauce clings beautifully, and the baked finish (if you choose to broil it at the end) adds a touch of golden crust on top.
This is comfort food elevated by thoughtful layering of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks, and let it brown until no pink remains and the edges are slightly crispy. Drain off any excess grease so the dish doesn’t turn oily.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the spinach and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, meat-spinach mixture, and creamy sauce in a large pot or skillet. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated and the meat and spinach are evenly mixed throughout.
If you want an extra golden finish, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with more mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until the top is bubbly and browned.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about a recipe like creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is how versatile it is. You can swap ingredients or adjust the flavors depending on what you have in your pantry or who you’re cooking for. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Change the protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something a bit lighter. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and add more color to the dish.
- Spice level adjustments: If you love heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or an extra dash of Cajun seasoning. For milder palates, reduce the Cajun seasoning and let the Italian herbs carry the flavor.
- Dairy swaps: Use lactose-free cream and cheese alternatives if you’re sensitive to dairy. The sauce will still turn out creamy and delicious.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. This allows you to keep the same rich flavor without the gluten.
- Cheese creativity: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, adding a little fontina, provolone, or gouda can give the dish an exciting twist.
Once you try the base version, you’ll find it easy to experiment and customize to your family’s preferences.
How to Serve
This pasta is rich and comforting, which means you can keep the sides simple and let it shine as the centerpiece of your meal. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Classic garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts bring a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Light fruit salad: Fresh melon, grapes, or pineapple make a refreshing finish to a hearty meal.
- Beverage pairings: A sparkling flavored water, iced tea, or lemonade keeps things bright and refreshing alongside the creamy pasta.
If you’re hosting, serve this pasta family-style in a large dish at the center of the table. It has that wow factor that makes everyone’s eyes light up when they see it.
Tips for the Best Results
Cooking pasta dishes like this one is all about timing and little details. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy once combined with the sauce.
- Drain excess grease from the meat after browning so the sauce doesn’t become too heavy.
- Whisk the roux constantly when adding liquid to avoid lumps and keep the sauce smooth.
- Taste as you go. Season gradually and adjust with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice depending on your preference.
- Don’t skip squeezing the spinach dry. Too much water will thin the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Small adjustments like these make the difference between a good dish and a great one.
Cooking Notes
A few key reminders help this recipe stay foolproof:
- Always let the roux cook for at least a minute before adding liquid so the raw flour taste cooks out.
- Use freshly grated cheese whenever possible. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Make sure to season both the meat and the sauce so every layer of the dish has flavor.
- Allow the pasta to sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving so the flavors marry together.
- Leftovers reheat best on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 780
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works well. Simply sauté it in the skillet until wilted before adding it to the sauce.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a quick substitute with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or bake with extra cheese on top until hot and bubbly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with added liquid to keep the sauce creamy.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic butter beef penne with sausage and spinach is everything a comforting pasta dish should be: rich, flavorful, and brimming with texture. It’s the kind of meal that makes family dinners feel special, even on an ordinary weeknight. The combination of seasoned meats, velvety sauce, and tender pasta with a touch of green from the spinach hits every craving in one bite.
Cooking this dish feels rewarding without being complicated, and the result is one of those meals you’ll be proud to serve. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also versatile enough to serve at gatherings. When I make this recipe, the empty plates and satisfied smiles say more than words ever could.
So the next time you’re looking for something that brings everyone to the table, give this pasta a try. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little smoky, and full of love in every forkful. Once you make it, I have a feeling it will become one of your go-to recipes, just like it has in my home.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks, and let it brown until no pink remains and the edges are slightly crispy. Drain off any excess grease so the dish doesn’t turn oily.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the spinach and let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, meat-spinach mixture, and creamy sauce in a large pot or skillet. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated and the meat and spinach are evenly mixed throughout.
If you want an extra golden finish, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with more mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until the top is bubbly and browned.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 780
- Sodium: 1020
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 140