Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

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There are comfort meals, and then there are meals that become instant legends at the dinner table. Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach falls right into that second category. It brings everything you crave into one skillet: rich creaminess, deep garlic flavor, savory ground beef and sausage, and a pop of green from baby spinach. The bowtie pasta catches every bit of the luscious sauce, making each bite feel like a hug for your taste buds.

This dish isn’t just about comfort; it’s about ease, too. It comes together quickly with simple pantry staples, yet feels like something you’d get from a cozy Italian restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this pasta will earn repeat requests.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

You get double the protein from the combo of ground beef and Italian sausage, which means extra flavor and satisfying richness. The garlic butter base melts into the heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bowtie. The spinach adds balance, color, and just the right touch of freshness to an otherwise indulgent dish.

Even better? It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day. Plus, it feeds a crowd and makes your kitchen smell like you know exactly what you’re doing (because you do).

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for This Dish?

While this dish specifically highlights bowtie pasta (farfalle), you can swap it with penne, rotini, or shells depending on what you have in your pantry. Bowtie pasta works especially well because it holds the sauce in its folds and gives a playful texture to the dish. It’s also hearty enough to support the meaty, creamy sauce without getting lost.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish packs in layers of flavor, and the beauty of it is that the ingredients are all familiar, easy to find, and come together with very little fuss. Each one plays a vital role in building a creamy, savory pasta that’s rich yet balanced.

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Garlic cloves
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Bowtie pasta gives this dish its fun texture and holds the sauce beautifully. Ground beef adds heartiness, while Italian sausage brings in bold, herby flavor. Garlic cloves are the aromatic backbone, and butter lays down the base for a rich sauce. Heavy cream makes everything silky, and Parmesan cheese finishes the sauce with nutty depth. Spinach cuts through the richness with its freshness, and your basic salt and pepper help everything pop. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives just the right kiss of heat if you want it.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook until the garlic is fragrant and just golden, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Fold in the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. If it seems too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen it.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir until well coated. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This dish is a crowd-pleaser and generous in portion. It easily serves 6 people as a main course, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers that you’ll actually look forward to. Serve it hot right off the stove, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

If you end up with leftovers, this pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. It also microwaves well in short intervals with a stir in between to avoid drying.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The classic companion. Buttery, crispy garlic bread is the ultimate side to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with a bit of char brings earthy balance to the creamy sauce.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a stick bring a fresh and vibrant bite.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Their sweet tang pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and garlic undertones.

Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

A light and nutty vegetable dish that complements the meal without competing.

Crusty Artisan Bread

If garlic bread is too strong, go for a plain crusty loaf to soak up the sauce.

Lemon Zest Asparagus

Bright and citrusy, this veggie side adds a light contrast to the rich main course.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this creamy garlic butter pasta hit all the right notes, you’ll probably love exploring more delicious pasta creations that bring bold flavors and comforting textures to the table. Here are a few other Luna Meals favorites:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for another garlic-heavy pasta with a velvety sauce.

• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you want a vegetarian dish that’s just as luxurious.

• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe to spice things up with a Southern twist.

• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist on creamy pasta.

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a zesty option that’s perfect chilled.

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 for extra garlic or lighten it up with more spinach? Did you swap the sausage for turkey or chicken?

I love hearing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Ask questions or share your tweaks — let’s make great food together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort dish:
https://www.pinterest.com/lunamealshomemaderecipes/

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is more than just a weeknight meal — it’s a dish that delivers comfort, indulgence, and satisfaction in every bite. With minimal prep and tons of flavor, it’s a recipe worth bookmarking. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping solo, this one earns a regular spot on your dinner rotation.

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