Get ready to dive into a dish that wraps your tastebuds in cozy comfort with every bite. This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach is the kind of weeknight hero we all need—rich, savory, and filled with flavor-packed goodness. Golden-seared sausage slices, juicy ground beef, and a velvety garlic butter sauce cling to every tube of penne, while fresh spinach folds in a pop of color and balance.

This pasta doesn’t just deliver on taste, it brings the full satisfaction factor. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold evening or just craving something hearty and irresistible, this one-pan dish will hit the spot. The creamy sauce has just the right kick, while the seared edges on the sausage add a beautiful bite. Bonus: it looks just as amazing on the plate as it tastes in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

One-pan perfection: Less cleanup, more deliciousness. Everything comes together in one pan for maximum flavor.
Savory depth: The blend of seasoned beef and sausage adds a robust, meaty richness that satisfies.
Creamy garlic magic: The buttery garlic sauce is silky, cheesy, and deeply comforting.
Greens in disguise: Spinach weaves in a hint of freshness, mellowing the richness and boosting nutrition.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a family meal that gets rave reviews.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for browning the meats and building the creamy garlic butter sauce without crowding the ingredients.
Pasta Pot: To cook the penne to al dente perfection.
Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing the sausage rounds after searing, while preserving the flavorful drippings for the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps you stir and scrape every delicious bit from the pan.
Box Grater or Microplane: For freshly shredding cheese if you prefer to skip the pre-shredded bags.

Taking a few extra minutes to organize your tools makes the cooking process flow effortlessly. Once you’re prepped, this dish comes together surprisingly fast—so you can get to the good part: devouring!

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Penne Pasta: The perfect shape for capturing all that creamy sauce.
Ground Beef: Adds juicy, hearty depth to the dish.
Italian Sausage Links: Sliced and seared for rich, bold flavor.
Fresh Spinach: A vibrant touch that balances the richness.
Heavy Cream: The base of our velvety garlic butter sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps form the sauce base.
Garlic (minced): The aromatic backbone of the flavor.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: For a gooey, savory finish.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: To bring everything together.
Crushed Red Pepper (optional): For a hint of heat.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Sear the Sausage

Slice the Italian sausage into rounds and sear them in a large skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Add butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Bring to a simmer, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Let it melt into a silky, thickened sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Boil the penne in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the sausage, beef, cooked penne, and fresh spinach into the cream sauce. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is coated. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Penne with Sausage and Spinach

Serve this pasta straight from the skillet while it’s creamy and piping hot. A side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp salad makes it a full meal.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back its luscious texture.