Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a weeknight dinner dream. The golden garlic butter clings to every strand of spaghetti, while melted cheese and seared sausage turn it into something heartier and wholly comforting. A handful of fresh spinach wilts perfectly into the warmth of the dish, bringing just the right pop of green and a subtle earthiness to balance it all out.

This meal is fast enough to make in under 30 minutes but feels indulgent and satisfying like a weekend treat. It’s one of those dishes that makes you pause and say, “wow,” after the first bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something carb-laced and cozy, this recipe is a definite go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

From the moment you toss the spaghetti into the bubbling garlic butter, you know something delicious is about to happen. The creamy cheese melts into the glossy butter sauce, forming an irresistibly velvety coating. The Italian sausage brings a savory kick, while spinach cuts through the richness without overpowering. It’s easy, satisfying, and just the right balance of bold and comforting. Bonus? It reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Classic dry spaghetti is perfect here. Its firm texture holds the buttery, cheesy sauce just right. But if you’re feeling fancy, fresh pasta will give it an ultra-luxurious feel. Whole wheat spaghetti can also work for a slightly nuttier depth, though you might want to increase the butter just a touch to keep things silky.

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

When a dish has only a handful of ingredients, each one plays a vital role. In this spaghetti, every element is selected for both flavor and function, creating a deeply satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

• Spaghetti: The base that ties everything together and soaks up all the garlic butter goodness.
• Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor with hints of fennel and spice. Choose mild or hot depending on your taste.
• Garlic: The foundation of the sauce, garlic gets golden and aromatic in the butter.
• Butter: Creates the luscious sauce that coats the pasta in irresistible richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the butter to give a salty, nutty creaminess to the dish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings stretch and gooey texture that makes every forkful satisfying.
• Spinach: Wilts into the pasta, adding freshness and a bit of green to balance the richness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just golden. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, letting them melt into a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the sausage to the pan, then add the drained spaghetti and spinach. Toss everything gently to combine, letting the spinach wilt from the heat and the sauce coat every strand of pasta. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if you like.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish is best served fresh off the stove while the cheese is gooey and the garlic butter sauce is still warm and clingy. It feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably, especially if paired with a side or salad.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick splash of water or broth helps re-loosen the sauce. You can warm it up gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts while stirring in between.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

Because you can never have too much garlic. Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that buttery sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and zippy Caesar dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A simple roasted green veggie with lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

The sweet tang of balsamic caramelized carrots is a delicious sidekick to savory sausage and cheese.

Antipasto Skewers

Marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and salami on skewers add texture and color.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

If you want to lean into comfort, a warm bowl of this classic soup works beautifully as a starter.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred zucchini rounds seasoned with olive oil and garlic echo the pasta’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach, check out these cozy, flavor-packed pasta recipes too:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian-friendly twist full of tang and richness.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want a hearty one-pan wonder.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re craving bold spice with creamy flair.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a high-protein, lighter take on creamy pasta.
• One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta for something herby, buttery, and deeply satisfying.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy sausage or keep it mild? Did you sneak in any extra veggies?

I love seeing how you put your own spin on these dishes. Drop your questions or swaps—we’re all about learning from each other here.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and easy weeknight recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your new favorites!

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the kind of meal that checks every box: quick, cozy, cheesy, and satisfying. It brings familiar flavors together in a bold new way that makes dinner feel like a treat without demanding much effort. If you’re looking for something the whole table will love, this pasta delivers every single time.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?