Tender beef, zesty Italian sausage, and silky bowtie pasta all swirled together in a rich garlic butter cream sauce — this dish is comfort food with a gourmet twist. The flavors are deep and savory with pops of fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan to bring it all together.

Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends over a casual dinner party, this creamy pasta dish hits the spot every time. The textures of the caramelized meat and the cream-coated pasta are as satisfying as the taste is crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Ultra comforting: That creamy, garlicky sauce wraps around every bite of beef and pasta like a warm hug.
Flavor-packed: The Italian sausage adds bold, herby notes while the beef adds depth and richness.
Fast and easy: With a few pantry staples and a skillet, this dinner comes together in under 40 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s kids or guests, everyone loves a hearty, cheesy pasta dish.
Customizable: You can toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap the pasta for your favorite shape.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Each ingredient in this pasta brings a unique flavor and purpose, making the dish creamy, savory, and rich with texture:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – The ridges and folds catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
Ground Beef – Adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
Italian Sausage – Brings a zesty, herb-filled punch that pairs well with the creamy base.
Fresh Spinach – Lightens up the dish and adds color and nutrients.
Garlic Cloves – Essential for that bold garlic butter flavor.
Butter – Acts as the base for the sauce, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
Heavy Cream – Delivers the silky, creamy texture that makes this pasta indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a nice kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning and balance.
Olive Oil – Helps with browning the meat and cooking the garlic without burning it.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Step 1: Brown the Meats

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Lower the heat slightly, then add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and cooked meats to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach

This rich and savory pasta dish is hearty enough to feed 4 to 6 hungry eaters, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it hot straight from the skillet, topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little extra zing.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach?

Garlic Bread

The classic choice! Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adding that extra garlicky punch.

Caesar Salad

The crisp, tangy flavor of a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These veggies balance out the creamy pasta with their crispy edges and slight bitterness.

Caprese Salad

A light side dish with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness and balances the heaviness of the sauce.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

Sweet, tangy, and oven-roasted to perfection, these carrots pair wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

Sauteed Zucchini

Mild and buttery zucchini slices bring a tender green touch without overpowering the main dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the savory sausage and garlic butter beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and meats ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, heat everything together with the cream and spinach for best texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well. Just choose something with shape or texture to hold the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You can substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like oat cream and vegan butter. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Make sure not to boil the cream too rapidly. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir frequently as it thickens.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the texture of the cream sauce may change. Freeze in airtight containers, and when reheating, stir in a splash of fresh cream to help it smooth out.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy sausage or keep it mild? Try it with mushrooms?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Spinach is everything you want in a cozy dinner: indulgent, quick to whip up, and packed with rich, savory flavors. With just the right balance of textures and herbs, it’s a go-to meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this pasta dish brings joy to the table.