As I stirred the bubbling pot, the rich aroma of garlic began to waft through my kitchen, quickly transforming my ordinary evening into a cozy culinary escape. My Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage and Spinach is not just a quick dinner recipe; it’s a delightful embrace of comfort food that whips up in under 30 minutes! This dish harmonizes tender rotini with savory ground beef, zesty Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty without the takeout hassle. Can you feel your taste buds tingling with anticipation? Let’s dive into this delectable experience! Why is this Garlic Butter Rotini special? Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it your go-to weeknight meal when time is tight. Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce brings a rich, robust flavor that will make you feel like you’re dining at an Italian restaurant right at home. Versatile Ingredients: Packed with savory beef and Italian sausage, you can easily swap out the meat for ground turkey or even add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a twist! Comfort in Every Bite: Each serving is a hearty embrace of support and satisfaction, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting pick-me-up. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is bound to impress your family or friends, leaving them asking for seconds and recipe requests! Pair it with a refreshing salad or some Honey Butter Cornbread to elevate the meal even further. Garlic Butter Rotini Ingredients For the Pasta • Rotini Pasta – Provides structure and serves as the main carbohydrate; can substitute with fusilli or penne. For the Meat • Ground Beef – Adds protein and depth of flavor; can be replaced with ground turkey for a leaner option. • Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot) – Contributes spice and richness; opt for spicy varieties for more heat. For the Sauce • Unsalted Butter – Creates a creamy sauce base; can substitute with olive oil for a lighter version. • Garlic (Minced) – Adds aromatic flavor to the dish; fresh garlic is recommended, using garlic powder as a last resort. • Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy; replace with non-dairy alternatives if desired. • Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances creamy texture and flavor; nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan can be used in vegan versions. For Freshness • Fresh Spinach – Provides freshness and a nutritional boost; can substitute with kale or thawed frozen spinach. For Seasoning • Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Season to taste; adjust for spice preference in this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage and Spinach. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach Step 1: Boil the Pasta In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ¾ cup of the starchy pasta water to help thicken your sauce later. Drain the pasta, and set it aside while you prepare the meat and sauce. Step 2: Brown the Meat In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm up. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook for about 6–8 minutes or until the meat is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease, leaving the flavorful meat in the skillet. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic Once the meat is browned, push it to one side of the skillet to create space. Add unsalted butter to the empty side and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden, making sure not to burn it. This aromatic base is essential for enhancing your Garlic Butter Rotini’s flavor! Step 4: Combine Meat and Garlic Stir the sautéed garlic into the meat mixture, ensuring that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the meat. Let this mixture cook together for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld before adding in the fresh spinach next, giving the dish a vibrant color and nutritional boost. Step 5: Add the Spinach Sprinkle the fresh spinach over the meat mixture in the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is wilted and tender. The vibrant green leaves will not only brighten your dish, but they will also add a delicious freshness to your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach. Step 6: Create the Sauce Pour in the heavy cream while stirring the mixture together, allowing it to blend well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, combining everything thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Keep the heat on low, ensuring the sauce doesn’t boil while you work on the final touches. Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the skillet, mixing well until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. This starchy water helps create a velvety sauce that clings to the rotini perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, making sure each flavorful element shines through. Step 8: Toss the Pasta Add the drained rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic butter sauce and meat mixture. Ensure that every twist of pasta is enveloped in the delicious flavors of this hearty dish, making it irresistibly comforting. Step 9: Season to Taste Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the pasta mixture, adjusting to your personal preference for spice. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning, enhancing the flavor profile of your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy Once fully combined and heated through, transfer your Garlic Butter Rotini to serving plates. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired, adding a touch of elegance. Serve hot and indulge in this comforting dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Garlic Butter Rotini Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this recipe to suit your tastes! Pasta Swap: Use penne or farfalle instead of rotini for a fun twist on texture; different shapes can change the entire mouthfeel of the dish! Lean Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthier take! Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition. More veggies can elevate your dish and provide added crunch. Spicy Kick: Opt for spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes to dial up the heat level. Those who love a fiery bite will appreciate this zest! Creamy Delight: For a non-dairy version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative, keeping that rich creaminess while accommodating dietary needs. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic boost that complements the garlic beautifully. This will give your dish that homemade, garden-fresh taste. Garlic Lover’s Dream: Pump up the minced garlic up to 4 cloves for an even bolder flavor profile that garlic enthusiasts will relish. Just be careful not to burn it while sautéing! Cheesy Goodness: Swap out Parmesan cheese for pecorino romano or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Your dish can remain rich and flavorful no matter the dietary choice. No matter which variation you choose, your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach will still deliver that delicious, comforting appeal! What to Serve with Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Looking to complement your delightful pasta creation? Here are some perfect pairings that will enhance your mealtime experience. Garlic Bread: The buttery crunch of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce, adding that extra touch of indulgence to your meal. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine tossed with a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the rotini, ensuring a balanced dining experience. Steamed Broccoli: Vibrant, tender broccoli not only adds nutrition but its fresh crunch beautifully offsets the heaviness of the dish, making every bite delightful. Italian Roasted Vegetables: Baked bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil deliver robust flavors and a colorful addition to your plate. Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied Chianti complements the savory tastes of your Garlic Butter Rotini, enhancing the robust flavors and enriching the meal. Tiramisu: End your dinner on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert, offering a light and creamy finish that leaves everyone satisfied and asking for more. By thoughtfully choosing side dishes, you’ll transform your weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary escape. Enjoy! Make Ahead Options These Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach are perfect for meal prep! You can cook the rotini and prepare the meat mixture up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the pasta and mix the browned beef, sausage, and garlic butter sauce, then let it cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. To maintain quality, store the cooked pasta and sauce separately, preventing the rotini from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, reheat the meat mixture gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, before tossing it with the pasta. Your weeknight dinner will be just as delicious with minimal effort! Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Room Temperature: Leftover Garlic Butter Rotini should not be left out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld beautifully overnight, making for even tastier leftovers! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly in plastic wrap before sealing. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Rotini Get the Right Pasta: Always cook your rotini until just al dente; it helps the noodles absorb the savory sauce better, making your Garlic Butter Rotini shine! Watch the Garlic: Sauté minced garlic gently and stir constantly to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the dish’s flavor. Reserve Some Liquid: Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! This starchy liquid is essential for achieving the right sauce consistency and keeps your Garlic Butter Rotini from becoming dry. Mix and Meld: Let the sautéed meat and garlic mix for a minute before adding spinach, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly, enriching the overall taste experience. Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes gradually to customize the spice level, ensuring the perfect balance in your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach. Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach Recipe FAQs What type of pasta is best for this recipe? For this dish, rotini pasta is ideal due to its spiral shape that holds onto the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully. However, you can easily substitute it with fusilli or penne if you prefer! How should I store leftover Garlic Butter Rotini? Leftover Garlic Butter Rotini should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier! Can I freeze Garlic Butter Rotini? Absolutely! To freeze, transfer the rotini to a freezer-safe container, making sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. What can I do if my sauce is too thick? If you find the sauce too thick, start by gradually adding more of the reserved pasta water, mixing well. This starchy water helps to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor. Stir continuously until you achieve your desired consistency. Is this dish suitable for people with dietary restrictions? While this recipe contains meat and dairy, there are several ways to adjust it for dietary needs! Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan in place of regular cheese. How can I tell if my garlic is fresh? Fresh garlic should be firm, plump, and have no dark spots. If the cloves are sprouting or the garlic feels soft or mushy, it’s best to discard it. Using fresh garlic can greatly enhance the flavor of your Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach! Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach Delight Enjoy a quick and hearty Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage and Spinach, ready in under 30 minutes! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 ounces Rotini Pasta Can substitute with fusilli or penne.For the Meat1 pound Ground Beef Can be replaced with ground turkey.1 pound Italian Sausage Mild or hot, spicy varieties available.For the Sauce4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute with olive oil.4 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh recommended.1 cup Heavy Cream Can replace with non-dairy alternatives.1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.For Freshness4 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale or thawed frozen spinach.For Seasoningto taste Saltto taste Black Pepperto taste Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Equipment large potlarge skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.Push meat to the side and melt unsalted butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.Stir garlic into the meat mixture. Cook together for 1 minute, then add fresh spinach.Cook spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted, adding brightness and freshness to the dish.Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until cheese melts. Keep the heat low.Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is achieved. Taste and adjust seasoning.Add drained rotini pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat pasta evenly with the sauce and meat.Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Mix well.Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, cook pasta al dente to absorb the sauce better. Be cautious with garlic to avoid burning, and don't forget to reserve pasta water for sauce consistency. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
