Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach is your next weeknight dinner win. The buttery garlic sauce hugs every strand of linguine while spicy sausage and savory beef bring a bold meaty punch. Wilted spinach folds in fresh green bites and everything is smothered in melted cheese for the ultimate comfort plate.

It’s hearty enough for a family dinner and fast enough to satisfy last-minute guests. If you’re looking for a pasta dish that delivers indulgence without fuss, this is it. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Rich and Satisfying: The garlic butter base creates a velvety texture, enhanced by gooey cheese.
Flavorful Protein Combo: A mix of ground beef and spicy Italian sausage adds depth and boldness.
Greens Without the Fuss: Spinach blends into the dish beautifully, adding nutrients and color without overpowering.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps, pantry ingredients, and done in under 40 minutes.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap cheeses, or go lighter with chicken sausage—you’re in control.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, a little prep makes everything easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the meat evenly and sautéing garlic and spinach without overcrowding.
Medium Saucepan: Ideal for melting butter, infusing garlic, and stirring in cheese for a smooth, silky sauce.
Large Pot for Pasta: A roomy pot ensures the linguine cooks evenly without sticking.
Tongs or Pasta Fork: Helps you mix and toss the pasta gently with sauce and meat.
Box Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and brings better flavor.
Colander: For draining pasta quickly without losing heat or texture.

Having these tools ready streamlines your cooking process and prevents the dreaded scramble for that missing spatula. Trust us, it makes a difference.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Linguine Pasta: The wide, flat shape holds the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully and provides a hearty bite.
Ground Beef: Adds a deep, savory richness that balances the creamy and cheesy elements.
Italian Sausage (Spicy or Mild): Brings a seasoned, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and cheese.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a healthy twist, gently wilting into the warm pasta.
Garlic (Freshly Minced): The heart of the flavor base—fragrant, earthy, and essential.
Unsalted Butter: Forms the foundation of the luscious garlic butter sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps the cheese melt into a smooth, velvety consistency.
Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Melts easily into gooey strands that cling to every bite.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds a salty, nutty kick and enhances the overall depth of the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch elevates the spice level for those who enjoy heat.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season the sauce and balance all the flavors.

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and sausage together until browned and cooked through. Break apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set the meat aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, followed by the browned meat. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 6: Broil for Extra Melt (Optional)

Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach

This dish is best served hot right off the stove (or straight from the oven if you opt for the broiled finish). The cheesy strands of linguine, combined with garlicky meat and spinach, make for a satisfying stand-alone main dish.

Serve it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad to balance out the richness. For a touch of freshness, top each serving with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.

To Store: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your sausage and how much red pepper flakes you use. You can use mild Italian sausage and skip the flakes for a kid-friendly version.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or even rotini work great. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up to the sauce.

What cheese substitutions can I make?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are ideal, but feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even sharp white cheddar for a twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the meat and prep the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cream and cheese sauce may change slightly. For best results, store in a freezer-safe container and reheat gently with added cream.

How can I make this lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, swap the sausage for ground turkey or chicken, and reduce the cheese if desired.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Beef, Sausage and Spinach has you craving more cozy comfort, check out these other dinner favorites:

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for a bowtie twist with similar cheesy flair.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for an ultra-rich, baked alternative.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti if you prefer poultry over beef.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta with a bold Southern kick.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a hearty one-pan option.

Each one delivers creamy, meaty, and comforting pasta goodness with its own flavorful personality.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Go extra spicy? Swap in kale?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.