Name: Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 4 cups fresh spinach; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper, to taste

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the bold taste of Italian sausage, the savory essence of garlic butter, the creaminess of cheese, and the freshness of spinach. It’s the kind of comforting meal I crave on a weeknight when I want something easy yet incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The garlic butter infuses the spaghetti with deep flavor, while the melted cheese wraps everything in creamy goodness. The Italian sausage adds a hearty, savory kick, and the spinach gives it a pop of freshness and a little extra nutrition. It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup simple.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Fresh spinach
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Heavy cream
Salt and black pepper

directions

I start by cooking the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
I remove the sausage and in the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and stir in both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Then I toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat it in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
I add the sausage back in, followed by the fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly combined.
I season it with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot, optionally with extra cheese on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
It takes about 30 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook.

Variations

I sometimes swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a spicier dish, I use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
I’ve also added mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
If I want it even cheesier, I mix in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce, or microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

I skip the sausage and instead add sautéed mushrooms or white beans for protein and texture.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before adding it. It works great in this recipe.

What’s the best pasta to use besides spaghetti?

I’ve used fettuccine, linguine, or even penne when I’m out of spaghetti. Any pasta with a bit of texture holds the sauce well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I cook everything and store it, then reheat it just before serving. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping in the sauce?

I make sure the cream is warm before adding cheese, and I stir continuously over low heat to melt everything smoothly.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything I want in a pasta dish — hearty, cheesy, garlicky, and full of bold flavors. It’s an easy go-to recipe that impresses without a lot of fuss, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a cozy night in.