Discover the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach. If you’re in pursuit of a mouthwatering dish that bridges simplicity and decadence, this pasta meal is your perfect match. Blending the rich flavors of juicy Italian sausage and seasoned ground beef with the fresh touch of spinach, this pasta is enveloped in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that promises to please your palate. This dish is a masterclass in flavor harmony and a testament to how a few simple ingredients can transform into a gourmet experience, all within the ease of one pan and a timeframe under 40 minutes. Ideal for those cozy quiet evenings or when you’re aiming to impress friends and family, this recipe hits every mark for quick dinner ideas, hearty meals, and delightful weeknight cuisine. Picture yourself savoring each bite of this creamy, cheesy pasta, a delight prepared effortlessly yet tasting incredibly exquisite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne
There are numerous reasons to adore this dish:
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for last-minute meals.
- Flavorful: A delightful blend of creamy garlic sauce with succulent meats and fresh spinach.
- Versatile: Equally suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Comforting: A warm, inviting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to ensure your kitchen space is primed. Start by selecting your tools: a large pot for boiling pasta, a substantial skillet for cooking meats and sauces, and essential kitchen utilities like a sharp knife, mixing spoon, and a colander. Having these ready in advance minimizes stress and maximizes efficiency. Also, lay out all your ingredients to allow seamless progression from one step to the next. Pro-tip: Reserve some pasta water after boiling; its starchy content can help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Ingredients
The essential ingredients you’ll need include:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ lb ground beef
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, as per package guidelines. Drain thoroughly, making sure to save half a cup of the pasta water for future use — it’s an invaluable trick for refining sauce texture.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
Warm up some olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Introduce the Italian sausage and ground beef, allowing them to cook until they develop a gorgeous brown and slightly crispy exterior. Once done, remove the meats from the skillet, letting them rest on the side.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Lower the skillet’s heat, and in the same pan, melt the butter gently. Infuse the room with fragrance by adding in the minced garlic, sautéing it for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a golden hue.
Step 4: Adjust Sauce Consistency
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it vigorously as it mingles with the garlic. Let it simmer for around 3-4 minutes; you’re aiming for a slight thickening which signals readiness.
Step 5: Melt the Cheeses
Incorporate the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until these cheeses gracefully meld into your sauce, turning velvety and smooth.
Step 6: Add Spinach
Fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it just 1 to 2 minutes to wilt under the heat. It should be tender but still bright. If your sauce seems overly thick at this point, a dash of your reserved pasta water can work wonders.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Return the previously cooked sausage and beef to the skillet, alongside the cooked penne. Toss everything with enthusiasm, ensuring the sauce coats every bite there is.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Round out your dish by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes if you desire a touch of heat.
Step 9: (Optional Garnish)
If you’re in the mood for a cheesy finish, transfer everything into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and under a brief broil, until golden and delightfully bubbly.
Variations
- Protein: Swap sausage with chicken or turkey for a leaner protein alternative.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms or bell peppers along with spinach to introduce more texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with basil or oregano to enhance the Italian flavors.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the meat is well-browned to maximize flavor.
- Consistently stirring prevents the garlic from burning, which could alter the sauce’s taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal experience.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to make the most out of the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Don’t rush the sauce; slow simmering aids better flavor infusion and consistency.
- Adjust cream and cheese amounts to cater to personal richness preferences.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 20g per serving
- Sodium: 800mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently to prevent sauce from breaking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a vegan substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is an option, but it’s recommended to consume fresh to avoid texture loss. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently if necessary.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach marries comfort and elegance perfectly. This dish invites everyone to relish hearty, delicious pasta that’s neither time-consuming nor overly complex. We encourage you to try variations and share your culinary journey with us. Whether you’re delighting your family or hosting a dinner, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. Pass along your thoughts and experiences, and let’s celebrate the joys of home-cooked meals together.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach marries comfort and elegance perfectly. It invites everyone to relish hearty, delicious pasta that’s neither time-consuming nor overly complex.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ lb ground beef
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, as per package guidelines. Drain thoroughly, making sure to save half a cup of the pasta water for future use.
- Warm up some olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Introduce the Italian sausage and ground beef, allowing them to cook until they develop a gorgeous brown and slightly crispy exterior. Once done, remove the meats from the skillet.
- Lower the skillet’s heat, and in the same pan, melt the butter gently. Add the minced garlic, sautéing it for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a golden hue.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it vigorously. Let it simmer for around 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until these cheeses meld into the sauce.
- Fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it just 1 to 2 minutes to wilt. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce appears too thick.
- Return the cooked sausage and beef to the skillet, alongside the cooked penne. Toss everything to ensure the sauce coats every bite.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- If preferred, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, add more cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Ensure the meat is well-browned to maximize flavor. Consistently stirring prevents garlic from burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 20 g