Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This indulgent pasta dish is packed with flavor, combining savory Italian sausage, creamy garlic butter sauce, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a deliciously cheesy masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes (or according to package instructions).
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage , breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they cook.
3. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Toss in the thawed and squeezed spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux (it should be smooth and slightly golden).
3. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth , whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream , Parmesan cheese , and mozzarella cheese .
2. Add the Cajun seasoning , Italian seasoning , and smoked paprika .
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked spaghetti and the meat-spinach mixture to the creamy sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the rich garlic butter sauce.
3. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Tips for Success

• Squeeze the spinach well : Removing excess moisture ensures the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t become watery.
• Customize spices : Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred level of heat.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan : Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

Enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach —a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍝✨