If you’re on the hunt for a comfort dish that wraps you in warmth and indulgent flavor, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach will become your new obsession. Every bite delivers creamy, garlicky richness, spicy sausage goodness, and the fresh earthiness of spinach, all blanketed under melty cheese. It’s a layered pasta dish that feels like a cross between spaghetti night and lasagna dreams.

This isn’t your average weeknight pasta. It’s hearty, rustic, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or spoiling yourself on a cozy night in. The buttery garlic infusion takes the lead, while the seasoned Italian sausage and spinach add depth and balance. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and parmesan, this recipe is pure edible joy.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditional spaghetti works beautifully here, providing the ideal texture to cradle the buttery sauce and soak in the sausage flavor. However, feel free to swap it for linguine, fettuccine, or even rigatoni if you’re looking to change up the bite. The key is using a pasta that holds the sauce well and stacks nicely for the cheesy finish.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Spaghetti: This classic pasta acts as the base, absorbing all the rich buttery sauce and juicy sausage flavor.

Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Brings a bold, savory flavor. The sausage is browned and crumbled to blend into the sauce and pasta seamlessly.

Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese.

Garlic (minced): The backbone of flavor. Garlic is sautéed in butter to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.

Butter: Used generously to create the rich garlic butter sauce that coats the spaghetti.

Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and keeps the garlic from burning.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melted on top for that satisfying cheesy layer that stretches with every bite.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth to the final dish.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a spicy kick if you’re using mild sausage.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the garlic and spinach mixture. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

Preheat your broiler. Transfer the spaghetti mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish is best served hot, straight from the broiler when the cheese is gooey and melty. Use a large spatula or serving spoon to scoop generous portions, ensuring you get that glorious cheesy topping with each helping. It’s a showstopper for family dinners or casual entertaining.

For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water to bring back the saucy goodness. This recipe also freezes well if you want to make it ahead—just skip the cheese broiling until you’re ready to serve.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

A crusty garlic bread or melty pull-apart rolls perfectly complement the rich, saucy pasta.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the richness with a crisp salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Roasted veggies bring extra flavor and nutrition while pairing beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky pasta.

Tomato Basil Soup

For a cozy, Italian-inspired dinner, start with a warm bowl of tomato soup.

Caprese Skewers

Add a refreshing bite with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled in balsamic glaze.

Red Wine or Sparkling Water

Pair the dish with a bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the richness.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

A low-carb side that brings a nutty, cheesy crunch without competing with the pasta.

Antipasto Platter

Create a festive spread with olives, marinated artichokes, cured meats, and cheeses to start the meal.

Want More Pasta Dinners Like This?

If you’re loving this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach, you’ll definitely want to dig into these other soul-satisfying pasta meals:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for an ultra-creamy, kid-friendly comfort meal.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need something quick, rich, and indulgent.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving something creamy with a touch of Italian flair.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a fun twist on classic baked spaghetti.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when you’re in the mood for garlic, cheese, and creamy bliss.

These recipes make dinner feel like a warm hug, just like today’s dish!

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Tried it? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Did you make it spicy? Did you use a different pasta shape?

Your tips, twists, and questions help everyone cook with more confidence. Let’s make magic in the kitchen together.

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