Are you craving a delicious dinner that brings the taste of a cozy Italian bistro right to your table? Look no further than this Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach. This recipe is not just a meal, it’s an experience that captures the essence of comforting flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or entertaining friends. The harmony of tender rotini pasta bathed in a creamy garlic butter sauce, alongside hearty and flavorful meats, ensures satisfaction with every bite.
This dish is not only a culinary delight but also incredibly easy to prepare, taking just about 35 minutes from start to finish. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage elevates the protein content while providing a rich and savory flavor profile. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach not only adds a vibrant color but also a nutritious kick. Each element can be easily customized based on what you have available in your kitchen, making it a versatile choice for busy weeknights.
Imagine sitting down to a steaming plate of this garlic butter rotini after a long day, the aromas whisking you away to culinary bliss. Whether you’re a master chef or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable yet impressively delicious. Ready to indulge your taste buds? Let’s dive into the key reasons why you’ll love this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 35 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic, creamy butter, and hearty meats create a comforting dish.
- Customizable: Use whatever ingredients or proteins you have on hand.
- Nutritious: Spinach adds greenery and essential nutrients.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone at the table will love, from kids to adults.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing for your cooking adventure starts with ensuring your kitchen is set up for success. First, gather all your ingredients: rotini pasta, ground beef, Italian sausage, butter, garlic, spinach, heavy cream, cheese, and seasonings. Having everything prepped and readily available will make the cooking process efficient and enjoyable.
You’ll need a large pot to boil your pasta and a spacious skillet for cooking the meats and sauce. A wooden spoon or spatula is needed for stirring, and a colander will come in handy for draining the pasta. To make your cooking experience even smoother, mince the garlic in advance and chop the spinach so it’s easy to toss into your dish when needed.
Ingredients
- 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
Step 1: Boil the Rotini
Start your culinary journey by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add the rotini pasta, allowing it to cook until it reaches the al dente stage, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This perfect texture ensures that the pasta will hold up well against the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Meats
Next, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook the meats until they are nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take around 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your dish rich without being greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
After the meats are cooked, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts turning golden; this releases its wonderful flavor into the dish. Then, stir in the fresh spinach, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes until it is wilted and vibrant in color.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream, giving it a creamy richness that ties the dish together. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, if desired. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This simmering stage will help the sauce thicken slightly, enhancing its velvety texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
It’s finally time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing everything to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If you’ve opted for cheese, stir in the Parmesan or mozzarella until melted and gooey. If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your delicious Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini hot from the pan! Top with additional cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overcook the rotini; it should be slightly firm to the bite.
- You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Cream can be replaced with milk for a lighter version, but it may not be as rich.
- This dish reheats well, making it a great leftover option for the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette.
- Complement with garlic bread for an authentic Italian meal experience.
- A crisp glass of white wine can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Tips
- Always taste your pasta as it cooks to ensure perfect doneness.
- For a lower-calorie dish, consider using less butter and cream or substituting with Greek yogurt.
- Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking can help flavors meld together.
- Don’t skip on the garlic; it’s key to achieving that flavorful punch!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 540 per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 790mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meats and sauce in advance. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve and combine everything for the freshest taste.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meats with more vegetables or beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze this dish, although the texture may change slightly. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
Conclusion
This Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach is more than just a meal; it’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor ideal for busy nights. Easy to make, enjoyable for all ages, and deeply satisfying, this dish will quickly capture a permanent place in your recipe repertoire. You can effortlessly adjust the ingredients to match your preferences or what’s readily available, making it a great staple for your kitchen. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious pasta, and enjoy a comforting meal ready in no time. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try, as we are eager to hear how you make it your own!
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Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef, Italian Sausage, and Spinach
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy weeknight dish featuring rotini pasta in a creamy garlic butter sauce with beef and sausage.
Ingredients
- 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 your culinary journey by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add the rotini pasta, allowing it to cook until it reaches the al dente stage, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This perfect texture ensures that the pasta will hold up well against the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Next, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook the meats until they are nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take around 8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your dish rich without being greasy.
- After the meats are cooked, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and the minced garlic to the empty space. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts turning golden; this releases its wonderful flavor into the dish. Then, stir in the fresh spinach, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes until it is wilted and vibrant in color.
- Now it’s time to pour in the heavy cream, giving it a creamy richness that ties the dish together. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, if desired. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This simmering stage will help the sauce thicken slightly, enhancing its velvety texture.
- It’s finally time to bring it all together! Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing everything to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If you’ve opted for cheese, stir in the Parmesan or mozzarella until melted and gooey. If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve your delicious Weeknight Garlic Butter Rotini hot from the pan! Top with additional cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds!
Notes
This dish reheats well, making it a great leftover option for the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Protein: 24 g