If you love pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly complemented by savory Italian sausage and melty cheese that pulls apart with every bite. Fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes add a vibrant touch, making this dish not only comforting but wonderfully balanced. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe hits every note for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is key to making this dish pop with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—from the hearty Italian sausage to the fresh, vibrant veggies and luscious cheese—making this recipe both simple and sensational.
- 8 oz Spaghetti: Any long pasta works great, but spaghetti provides the perfect canvas for the sauce to cling to.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: This delivers a rich, savory punch; chicken sausage can be a lighter swap if you prefer.
- 4 Tbsp Butter: The base for that irresistible garlic butter sauce; olive oil works too if you want a lighter twist.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here for that bold, aromatic kick.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green, but kale or arugula are fine alternatives.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweetness and add beautiful color, but feel free to omit or substitute with other tomatoes.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella (shredded): Freshly grated cheese melts so much better and rounds out the dish perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; season to taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth, adjust according to your preference.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water until it’s bubbling vigorously. Add your spaghetti and cook it just until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the package. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s pure magic for making your sauce silky and creamy later on.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds a deep, savory foundation that’s so satisfying.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the same skillet. As the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. This is where the dish gets that heavenly aroma that will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
Step 4: Cook the Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
Into the buttery garlic, add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook together for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully and the tomatoes soften up, releasing their sweet juices. This combination adds freshness and a hint of tang that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Veggies
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, slowly stirring in reserved pasta water little by little to create an irresistibly creamy texture that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese and Season
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese until it melts into a luscious, velvety sauce. Finish by adjusting salt and black pepper to taste. This final step pulls all the flavors together into one gorgeous dish.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also take this dish to the next level. Garnishes add both visual appeal and a delightful final flavor punch.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair this spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also fantastic accompaniments that provide texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the spaghetti in warm bowls and top with a Parmesan crisp for a classy touch. For a fun twist, try plating it in individual ramekins or layering it like a pasta bake, then broiling until bubbly and golden. Presentation shapes the dining experience, making every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but you might want to add a splash of water when reheating to keep the sauce silky rather than sticky.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to a month, but for best texture, it’s ideal to freeze the pasta and sausage separately from the fresh spinach and tomatoes. Reheat gently to preserve the freshness of the veggies.
Reheating
Reheat the spaghetti gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a bit of added pasta water or broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid drying out or overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine will hold the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add in sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this dish without fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended because it provides the best aroma and flavor. If you must substitute, use high-quality garlic powder but be mindful the taste won’t be as bright or robust.
What cheese is better for this recipe, Parmesan or mozzarella?
Both cheeses work, but Parmesan offers a sharper, nuttier flavor and creates a creamier sauce when melted into the pasta. Mozzarella will give a gooey, stringy texture and milder taste, so choose based on what you prefer.
How spicy is the dish?
The base recipe is mild, relying on the savory sausage and garlic butter for flavor. If you like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients done exceptionally well. It’s soulful, satisfying, and honestly, a delightful way to share some love around your dinner table. I urge you to give it a try—you might just be adding a new classic to your regular meal rotation!
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Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich garlic butter sauce, all finished with melted Parmesan cheese for a creamy indulgence. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or an impressive weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Spaghetti (Any long pasta can be substituted)
Meat
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Can substitute with chicken sausage)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 Tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be used as a lighter substitute)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh cloves are recommended)
- to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
Vegetables
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Can swap with kale or arugula)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Other tomatoes can be used or omitted)
Cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella (shredded) (Freshly grated cheese is preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart into small pieces. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the garlic butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down and the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh garlic cloves greatly enhance flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula based on preference.
- If you prefer a less creamy sauce, reduce the amount of reserved pasta water added.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
