If you are craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that truly satisfies, look no further than this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe. It brings together tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and spicy Italian sausage all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce and brightened with fresh spinach. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of rich, meaty depth balanced by the freshness of greens and the sharp, nutty kiss of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve guests with pride.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step towards making this hearty, soul-warming dish. Every component plays a crucial role: from the robust flavors of the Italian sausage and ground beef, to the creamy butter and fresh garlic that build your sauce, and the spinach that adds a burst of color and nutrition.
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Use lean for a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy depending on how much kick you want in your dish.
- 3 tbsp Butter: Creates that silky, rich base for your sauce.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Adds a fruity layer of flavor and helps cook the meat evenly.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key to delivering that intoxicating aroma and bold taste.
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes: Provides luscious tomato sweetness with a bit of texture.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a nourishing touch to the dish.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water: Helps loosen and unify the sauce for perfect consistency.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For anyone who loves a little extra heat to awaken the palate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the rotini until just al dente ensures that the pasta will have a nice bite and won’t get mushy once combined with the sauce. Be sure to save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining — this magic ingredient helps keep your sauce silky and well-coated on each piece of pasta.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Browning the meat until fully cooked and slightly caramelized adds tons of flavor and texture, making the base of your dish incredibly savory and satisfying.
Step 3: Infuse Garlic and Butter
Next, toss in butter and minced garlic. Sautéing the garlic in the melted butter releases those aromatic compounds that transform the dish with rich, garlicky warmth. This step builds the foundation for a irresistibly fragrant sauce.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomatoes and Pasta Water
Stir in your diced tomatoes and reserved pasta water. Simmering this mixture briefly allows the sauces to meld and thicken slightly, creating a luscious coating for the pasta that’s bursting with tomato goodness and a silky texture.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add fresh spinach into the skillet and stir gently as it wilts down. This not only adds a beautiful pop of green but also infuses the sauce with fresh, slightly earthy notes. It’s a simple way to incorporate some nutritious greens right into the heart of your dish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until every piece is lovingly coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce mixed with meat and spinach. This ensures every forkful is perfectly balanced and delicious.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
Remove the skillet from heat and shower the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly from the warmth, creating a creamy finish. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little zing. Adjust seasoning to taste — this step personalizes the dish to exactly how you love it.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil works wonders to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbal freshness. For an indulgent touch, some extra shaved Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty rotini dish with a crisp green salad drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette or some warm crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the robust flavors perfectly without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve individual portions in shallow bowls topped with a small mound of microgreens for a refined touch. Alternatively, plate the pasta in colorful earthenware dishes to enhance the vibrant greens and reds visually, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, let the pasta cool to room temperature to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may soften a bit upon thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also warm it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta or meat.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because of its shape, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on what you have available or your preference. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty mushrooms. Use vegan butter and cheese substitutes to keep it completely plant-friendly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level mainly comes from the type of Italian sausage you choose and any optional red pepper flakes. You can go mild or turn up the heat depending on your taste.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
You can cook the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, just cook the pasta and finish the dish as directed for a quick meal.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Fresh spinach works best for texture and flavor, but baby kale or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted in a pinch without sacrificing too much.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor, yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I love it — your taste buds are in for a real treat!
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Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Delicious Garlic Butter Rotini combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with fresh spinach in a rich garlic butter and tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful dish is ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (Whole wheat or gluten-free can be substituted)
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Use lean for lower fat)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Mild or spicy based on preference)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be used for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used as a substitute)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh is ideal)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (Crushed tomatoes can be used for a smoother sauce)
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water (Essential for adjusting sauce consistency)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- optional Red Pepper Flakes (For added heat)
Vegetables & Toppings
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Kale can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast as a vegan alternative)
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Brown Meats: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and reserved pasta water into the skillet. Increase the heat slightly and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Wilt Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and stir, letting it wilt into the sauce, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting sauce consistency and helping sauce cling to pasta.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor, but garlic powder can be used if necessary.
