If you’re craving a cozy dinner with restaurant-quality flavors but still want to keep things easy, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach is calling your name. This one-skillet wonder combines the boldness of seasoned sausage, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the earthy goodness of wilted spinach in a garlicky butter sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

It’s the kind of meal that turns a basic pasta night into a full-on comfort experience. Quick enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough to serve when you want to impress, this dish delivers in both flavor and ease. The combo of melty cheese, garlicky butter, and the slight bitterness of spinach is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach

This dish has all the hallmarks of a crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly flavorful thanks to the browned Italian sausage and garlic butter base. The cheese melts right into the hot pasta, giving it a silky richness that feels indulgent without being heavy. Spinach not only adds color but a nutritious boost that makes the whole dish feel more balanced. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet—easy cleanup, minimal fuss, maximum reward.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Sausage or Frozen Spinach Instead?

Absolutely. If you have pre-cooked sausage, just slice it and brown it slightly in the skillet to bring out its flavor before adding the garlic and butter. Frozen spinach can also be a convenient swap. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the dish, so it doesn’t water down the sauce. Fresh ingredients are ideal for texture, but these alternatives still work beautifully in a pinch.

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

For a dish packed with so much flavor, the ingredient list stays refreshingly simple. Each element serves a clear purpose—bringing boldness, richness, or freshness to the table. Don’t skip any if you can help it, because they each contribute to the balanced flavor that makes this dish sing.

Spaghetti
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Garlic cloves
Butter
Parmesan cheese (or a blend of Italian cheeses)
Fresh spinach
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Spaghetti forms the base and holds all the garlicky, cheesy goodness together. Italian sausage brings savory spice and hearty protein to the mix. Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor, while butter provides that indulgent, silky coating. A generous handful of Parmesan melts right in, giving the dish that signature cheesy bite. Spinach offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that balances everything out. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach 2

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is gold for creating the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage (casings removed if using links). Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat slightly and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 4: Combine the Elements

Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter. Stir in the Parmesan and allow it to melt into a glossy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach and gently stir until just wilted. It should only take a minute or two. If the mixture seems dry, add another splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with extra cheese sprinkled on top if you’re feeling generous.

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

This hearty garlic butter spaghetti serves about four people, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or a small gathering with friends. It’s best enjoyed right after cooking when the cheese is at its meltiest and the flavors are freshly melded together. But if you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck.

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The spinach may soften further, but the dish remains deliciously satisfying.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

You can never go wrong with buttery garlic bread. It echoes the flavors in the pasta and adds that satisfying crunch.

Classic Caprese Salad

A fresh and juicy tomato-mozzarella-basil salad makes a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

A light side of roasted asparagus helps balance the savory depth of the dish with a bit of green crispness.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re serving a larger group and want another pasta option on the table, this creamy tomato spinach pasta is a great match.

Lemon Churro Cookies

For dessert, these lemon churro cookies add a sweet, spiced citrus finish to your pasta night.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you’re looking to add more protein variety, serve small portions of this next to your pasta for a robust, comforting spread.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

It’s unexpected, but naan makes a soft, chewy alternative to garlic bread and is perfect for mopping up that garlicky butter sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved the richness of this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach, there are more flavor-packed meals to discover next. Try these comforting favorites that bring something unique to the table:

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a creamy twist on sausage and pasta.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a veggie-loaded option with tangy tomato flavor.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for those who love bold seasoning and heat.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed pasta variation.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms if you’re craving pasta with savory veggies and creamy sauce.

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 go heavy on the garlic or ease up on the spice? Maybe you used kale instead of spinach? I’d love to hear your twist on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and feel-good comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. Discover your next favorite flavor fix!

Conclusion

There’s something so satisfying about a pasta dish that hits every note: savory, cheesy, garlicky, and fresh. This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Spinach checks all those boxes and more. It’s simple to make, comforting to eat, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself to a solo pasta night, this dish brings a whole lot of joy to the table.