There’s nothing quite like a steaming skillet of Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach to bring comfort to your table. This dish is a perfect combination of tender pasta, juicy sausage, and flavorful beef, all coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory meat, creamy richness, and fresh spinach that makes it irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality meal at home, this pasta dish never disappoints. The layers of flavor from browned sausage and beef meld beautifully with the buttery garlic sauce, while the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy taste.
What Makes This Creamy Garlic Butter Penne So Special?
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor depth. Browning the sausage and beef creates a rich base, while the garlic butter sauce infuses the pasta with a luxurious taste. Fresh spinach not only adds nutrition but also a vibrant green contrast that makes this dish visually appealing.


Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
- Penne Pasta – Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Ground Beef – Adds a hearty, meaty flavor to the pasta.
- Italian Sausage – Brings a savory, spiced richness that complements the beef.
- Fresh Spinach – Adds freshness, color, and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Garlic and Butter – The core of the luscious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides a salty, nutty finish to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Ensures the pasta is luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper – Basic essentials to season and bring the flavors together.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Sauté until browned and slightly crispy around the edges for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base
Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic, allowing it to sizzle until fragrant. Stir the garlic into the meat to infuse the flavors.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring to create a rich sauce. Simmer until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Pasta
Toss in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt gently in the hot sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and stir everything together until the sauce fully coats the pasta.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the skillet, when the sauce is luxuriously creamy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne?
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up that irresistible sauce.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted broccoli offers a healthy, slightly charred bite to complement the creamy dish.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brighten the meal with light, tangy flavors.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms with a touch of garlic pair beautifully with the beef and sausage.
Antipasto Platter
A small platter with olives, marinated vegetables, and cured meats is perfect for a rustic Italian touch.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach, you’ll also enjoy these flavorful pasta favorites:
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a cozy, weeknight classic.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together in one pan.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a cheesy, indulgent twist.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta packed with bold, smoky flavors.
• Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta if you want a simple, creamy comfort dish.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board to revisit it anytime and impress your family with an effortless yet indulgent pasta dish.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own—did you add mushrooms, swap the sausage, or sprinkle extra cheese on top? Share your creations in the comments!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
Equipment
- Large pot
- Deep skillet
- Strainer
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked.
- Push meat to one side and add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir into the meat.
- Pour in heavy cream and a splash of reserved pasta water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add spinach and cooked penne to the skillet, stirring until the sauce coats everything evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and serve hot.