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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

A cozy and creamy pasta dish featuring penne cooked al dente, tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with Italian sausage, ground beef, and fresh baby spinach. This flavorful skillet meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne

Meats

  • 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 8 ounces ground beef

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, optional

Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Pantry

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Salt a large pot of water and cook the penne until just al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Brown the meats: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until browned and crispy on the edges. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté garlic and seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Create the sauce: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for one minute. Stir in the cream and allow the sauce to gently bubble until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add cheese and adjust consistency: Stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
  6. Toss pasta and spinach: Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Fold in the baby spinach and let it wilt from the residual heat.
  7. Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Parmesan as desired. If a looser sauce is preferred, add another splash of reserved pasta water. Serve topped with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use unsweetened cashew or oat creamer for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Paleo

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/creamy-garlic-butter-beef-penne-with-sausage-and-spinach-recipe/