When your weeknight dinner needs a serious upgrade without turning into a kitchen marathon, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach will be your savior. It combines the richness of ground beef and Italian sausage with a velvety garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite of penne. The addition of spinach gives it a burst of color and a hit of earthiness that balances the richness beautifully.

Each forkful delivers savory, buttery, and herbaceous flavors wrapped in the cozy creaminess of a homemade sauce. It’s hearty enough for cold evenings and simple enough to become a family favorite. If you love comfort food that feels a little elevated without the fuss, this dish checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe is a full-on flavor bomb, thanks to the combination of beef, Italian sausage, and a from-scratch garlic butter cream sauce. It comes together in under 45 minutes and only needs one pot for the pasta and one pan for the sauce, keeping cleanup minimal. The blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy makes it a great crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. You can swap penne for any pasta shape you love, add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist, or use kale instead of spinach. It’s comfort food that adapts to what you have on hand and always delivers big on taste.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For the best flavor, opt for Italian sausage—either sweet or spicy depending on your heat preference. Sweet Italian sausage keeps things mellow, while spicy sausage adds a kick that plays off the garlic and cream beautifully. Make sure to remove the sausage from the casing if you’re not using bulk sausage. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with chorizo or even chicken sausage, but traditional Italian sausage provides that classic, rich flavor that complements the beef and butter sauce perfectly.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

The secret to making this dish unforgettable is the quality and balance of your ingredients. You don’t need a long list, but each component brings something essential to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

Penne pasta
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Butter
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach 2

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Break them apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the meats aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked meats back into the skillet along with the spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted. Toss in the cooked penne, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a few more red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

This pasta dish is best served warm right out of the pan, with the sauce still silky and clinging to each bite. It comfortably feeds four hungry people, though you can stretch it to six with a side dish or salad. For storing leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back its creaminess.

You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cream may separate slightly, but stirring well and adding a bit of liquid usually brings it back to life.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach?

Garlic Bread

A warm, crusty garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to this creamy pasta. Use it to scoop up any leftover sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery notes of arugula with a light vinaigrette cut through the richness of the dish beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Adding a crispy roasted vegetable brings texture and brightness to the plate.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella on skewers keep things light and fresh without pulling attention from the pasta.

Herby Chicken Meatballs

For an extra protein boost, these meatballs complement the creamy pasta without overwhelming it.

Lemon Butter Asparagus

This citrusy, fresh vegetable side balances the savory depth of the pasta.

Classic Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and sharp Parmesan is always a win alongside creamy dishes.

Grilled Zucchini

Charred zucchini slices add a smoky contrast and a pop of green to the meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach, you’ll want to check out these other irresistible pasta creations from Janet Dishes:

Try the One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a similar one-pan comfort dish with bold sausage flavor.
For something light yet rich, the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta adds a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
The Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a protein-packed twist with a surprisingly silky finish.
Dig into the decadence of [Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta](https://janetdishes.com/cream…