Here’s a recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Italian Sausage & Spinach that combines all the rich flavors in a creamy, comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients:
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12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 lb Italian sausage (preferably mild or spicy, casings removed)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
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2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
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While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Combine Everything:
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Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet along with the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
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Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing everything together. Add a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta if needed.
5. Add the Cheese:
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Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is creamy and well-coated.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
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Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips:
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If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cheese or a splash more cream.
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You can also swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version.
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To make it even cheesier, try adding a handful of ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, garlic butter pasta with sausage and spinach! 😋