A creamy, crave-worthy pasta loaded with savory sausage, hearty spinach, and a bold, cheesy garlic butter sauce. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and ultra flavorful with a garlic-Parmesan base

• Hearty with both ground beef and Italian sausage

• Packed with protein, greens, and rich seasonings

• Makes a satisfying meal for a crowd or great leftovers

Ingredients

Pasta & Meat:

• 1 pound spaghetti

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~650 kcal per serving

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Meats:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease.

3. Add Vegetables:
   Add chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add spinach and cook until heated through, 2–3 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.

5. Finish the Sauce:
   Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth.

6. Combine Everything:
   Add cooked pasta and meat-spinach mixture into the sauce. Toss to coat everything in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.

Serving Ideas

• Garnish with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a little kick.

• Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully—add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Swap frozen spinach for fresh if preferred—sauté it briefly before adding.

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

• Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze portions, but the sauce may separate slightly. Stir well when reheating and add a bit of cream to bring it back together.

What pasta alternatives can I use?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great. For gluten-free, use your favorite GF pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s bold, hearty, and packed with everything you love—creamy sauce, seasoned meat, and vibrant spinach. Ideal for dinner parties, cozy nights in, or a make-ahead meal that delivers every time.