Beef and Sausage Penne with Spinach Alfredo

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Comfort food just got a bold, meaty upgrade. This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is a savory, indulgent pasta dish packed with juicy sausage, ground beef, tender pasta, and wilted spinach all wrapped in a velvety garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and creamy, with just enough greens to make it feel wholesome.

The flavor is rich, the texture is spot on, and the layers of browned meat, melty cheese, and garlicky sauce are enough to make anyone go back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this one is a guaranteed winner.

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

If you’re a fan of flavor-packed, meaty pastas, this one hits the jackpot. It’s ultra comforting and totally satisfying, thanks to the combination of beef and sausage. The garlic butter sauce brings a silky, savory base that clings to every bite of penne, while spinach melts in effortlessly.

It also reheats like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers or busy nights when you need something already made. And because it’s all done in one skillet (plus one pot for pasta), clean-up is simple and stress-free.

What Type of Sausage Should I Use?

You can go classic with Italian sausage (mild or spicy depending on your preference), or get creative with flavored sausage blends. Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or chicken sausage work just as well. Just be sure to remove the casing if using links so you can brown the meat evenly.

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

• Penne pasta – A sturdy, tube-shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Ground beef – Adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
• Italian sausage – Brings juicy, spiced meatiness that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
• Fresh spinach – Adds color, nutrition, and balances the richness.
• Garlic cloves – The star flavor of the butter sauce.
• Butter – Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Creates the base of the creamy garlic sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts for that stretchy, cheesy finish.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, umami depth.
• Olive oil – Helps brown the meats and prevent sticking.
• Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes – Seasoning trio to round out the flavors.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Push meat to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic to the other side and cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Pasta

Toss in the spinach and stir until wilted. Then add cooked pasta and reserved water, tossing everything until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Top with extra cheese and serve hot!

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta

This pasta is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also makes a show-stopping main for casual dinners or meal prep. It feeds 4 to 6 people generously. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of garlic butter on top.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce back up to its original creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp edges and cheesy centers are perfect for scooping up saucy bites.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Peppery greens with a bright vinaigrette balance out the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Zucchini or Squash

A light and veggie-forward side that adds a fresh element.

Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Charred, crisp asparagus adds freshness and depth to your plate.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the meat and cheese combo.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Keep things light and refreshing to balance out each bite.

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Want More Hearty Creamy Pasta Meals?

If you’re loving the rich flavors in this creamy beef and sausage penne, check out these other crowd-pleasing comfort dishes:

• One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
• One-Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Love it? Save this recipe to your Creamy Comfort Dinners board on Pinterest so it’s ready whenever you need a delicious weeknight option.

Let me know in the comments what you swapped—extra greens, spicy sausage, different pasta shapes? I’m always eager to hear your flavorful tweaks.

For more rich, saucy, and meaty dinner ideas—perfect for cozy nights or weeknight wins—visit NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest.

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