If you are on the hunt for a cozy yet impressively flavorful dinner, this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite, combining perfectly cooked rotini pasta with savory ground beef and Italian sausage, all luxuriously coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The addition of spinach and a touch of parmesan makes the flavors pop, while the hint of red pepper flakes brings just the right amount of kick. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe is in its simplicity. A handful of basic, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with richness, color, and perfect texture. Each item plays a crucial role — from the tender, spiral-shaped rotini pasta that holds onto every bit of sauce, to the hearty mix of beef and sausage that gives it bold depth.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Choose lean beef to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Adds robust, spiced flavor; swap with turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
- 4 tablespoons Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps develop that amazing garlic aroma.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for bright, pungent flavor.
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes: Use canned or fresh, but roasted varieties will take the sauce to the next level.
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta: The spirals really catch the sauce—whole wheat or gluten-free work great too.
- 0.5 cups Reserved Pasta Water: Adds silkiness to the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- 6 cups Fresh Spinach: Offers freshness and a pop of green; kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes.
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, nutty goodness; nutritional yeast is a vegan-friendly option.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds balanced warmth and depth.
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle spicy kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt here is key because it seasons the pasta from within, making every bite flavorful. Drop in the rotini pasta and cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but with a little bite. Before draining, be sure to scoop out half a cup of the pasta water; that starchy liquid will do wonders in your sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Meats
While the pasta is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook them together for 5 to 7 minutes until nicely browned. Browning the meat creates those rich caramelized flavors that will elevate this dish to restaurant-quality. Once browned, drain any excess grease so your sauce doesn’t become too oily.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt gently until it starts to foam and then stir in the minced garlic. This step is where the magic begins—cooking garlic just until fragrant, about one minute, releases those mouthwatering aromas that make this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe so special.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Pasta Water
Stir in the diced tomatoes along with the reserved pasta water. The pasta water is a pro secret for creating a luscious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to every twist of rotini. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the meat beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Pasta
Now it’s time to introduce some freshness. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down—this takes about 2 minutes. The spinach brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise, balancing the richness of the meat and butter. Then, toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, stirring everything together so the sauce thoroughly envelops every piece of pasta.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Switch off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. The saltiness and nutty depth from the cheese will enhance all the flavors beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add the red pepper flakes if you want a subtle kick. Serve this warm, comforting dish right away for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add both visual appeal and bursts of flavor. Give this dish an extra pop by topping it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a lovely herbal note. A little extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil adds elegance and richness that will impress any guest at your table.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty pasta with light, refreshing sides. A crisp Caesar or garden salad works wonderfully, along with garlic bread or warm focaccia to scoop up any leftover sauce. If you want a vegetable, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans bring fantastic texture contrasts without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in rustic bowls to showcase the gorgeous spirals of rotini and the vibrant greens. You can also portion it into individual mason jars for picnics or lunch on the go. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish with a squeeze of fresh acidity if desired.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making leftovers a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because its twists hold sauce beautifully, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would make delicious alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the beef and Italian sausage for plant-based meat crumbles or simply add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast for the cheese to keep it vegan.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The amount suggested adds a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can cook and store components separately—like pasta and sauce—and combine them just before serving to keep everything tasting vibrant.
What wine pairs well with this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the richness of the meat and the garlic butter sauce beautifully, making your meal feel all the more special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, don’t hesitate to try this Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s straightforward yet impressive, packed with flavor and textures that make every forkful unforgettable. Once you make it, expect this dish to become a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation—and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for friends and family alike.
Print
Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Irresistible Garlic Butter Rotini with Beef & Italian Sausage is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh spinach, and tender rotini pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe offers balanced textures and delicious layers of taste with the option to customize ingredients for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Opt for lean beef to cut back on fat.)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (For a lighter option, substitute with turkey sausage.)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter alternative.)
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast serves as a vegan alternative.)
Produce
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is best.)
- 6 cups Fresh Spinach (Substitute with kale or Swiss chard if needed.)
Pantry
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (Canned or fresh; roasted tomatoes amplify flavor.)
- 12 ounces Rotini Pasta (Try whole wheat or gluten-free varieties as swaps.)
- 0.5 cups Reserved Pasta Water (Essential for adjusting sauce consistency.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for a hint of heat.)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cups of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the meat in the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and the reserved pasta water. Mix well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the greens: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. This adds both freshness and nutrition to the dish.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so the pasta is well coated with the sauce and evenly combined with the meat and spinach.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey sausage for a lower fat version.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter dish.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free rotini pasta can be used as healthier alternatives.
- To make this dish vegan, replace meat with plant-based sausage alternatives and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Reserve pasta water is critical to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the spinach; wilt just enough to keep some texture and vibrant color.
