Description
A satisfying experience that combines creamy sauce, savory meats, and delightful rotini pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the rotini pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes, but be sure to check the package instructions for specific timing. Once cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, ensuring to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally and allow it to brown evenly, which should take around 8 minutes. After the meats are thoroughly cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure your sauce doesn’t become overly greasy.
- Once the meat is cooked and drained, use a spatula to push the meat to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn. After, add in the fresh spinach, stirring for 1–2 minutes until it wilts down to a nice tender consistency.
- Pour in the heavy cream into the skillet, seasoning the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. This creamy concoction is the heart of your dish, bringing all the flavors together.
- Add the reserved rotini to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the delicious sauce. If desired, stir in shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of creamy flavor. If you find the sauce too thick, just mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Once everything is combined, remove from heat and serve hot. Consider garnishing with additional cheese or sprinkling fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor. Your Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini is now ready to be devoured!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 28 g