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
Scale
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.
