If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal, Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the way to go! This dish combines delicious pasta with a rich and creamy sauce, savory beef, and a hint of spice from the Italian sausage. It’s a perfect dinner option for families or even a cozy night in.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also super satisfying. The combination of beef, sausage, and spinach adds a range of flavors that make every bite enjoyable. Plus, the creamy sauce is incredibly easy to whip up, and it perfectly coats the pasta for a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the thawed spinach and cook until warmed through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Let it come to a gentle simmer and thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the meat mixture. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well-coated. Let it sit on low heat for a minute or two so the flavors can come together.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs if desired. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this creamy pasta as a filling dinner that everyone will love!
How to Store Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery sauce.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- You can use fresh spinach instead of frozen if you have it on hand. Just sauté it for a couple of minutes until wilted.
Variation
Feel free to switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Q2: Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?
A2: Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular bowtie pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
A3: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach! Your family and friends will thank you.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking meat
- 4 tbsp butter For the sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour Thickening agent for the sauce
- 3 cups milk For creaminess
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For creaminess
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust as per spice preference
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Cooking Meat
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the thawed spinach and cook until warmed through. Remove the skillet from heat.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Let it come to a gentle simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Combining
- Pour the cheese sauce into the meat mixture. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well-coated. Let it sit on low heat for a minute or two so the flavors can come together.
