If you are looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, this Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. It’s the perfect marriage of rich garlic butter, savory Italian sausage, and gooey, melty cheese all tossed with tender spaghetti. Every forkful bursts with comfort and bold flavors that make dining at home feel truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings an irresistible combination of taste and texture that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of vibrant flavor and mouthwatering texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- 8 oz Spaghetti: A timeless pasta choice, any long noodles work here, providing that perfect base to soak up all the savory sauce.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: The star protein, generously seasoned, offering a punch of herby and spicy goodness; chicken sausage works too if you want a lighter twist.
- 4 Tbsp Butter: This indulgent butter creates a silky sauce coating every strand of pasta; olive oil can substitute for a lighter finish.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and depth, delivering that essential garlicky warmth that brings the dish to life.
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant splash of green and gentle earthiness; kale or arugula can swap in to suit your taste.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness to balance the savory richness; you can use other tomatoes or leave them out if preferred.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella (shredded): Freshly grated cheese melts luxuriously into the hot pasta, creating that irresistible creamy, cheesy experience.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: These simple seasonings perfectly elevate and round out the flavors.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by filling a large pot with water, add a good amount of salt to bring out the pasta’s flavor, and let it come to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s the secret ingredient that will help create a silky sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a little olive oil for a subtle flavor base. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and has released its flavorful juices. Remove the sausage and set it aside; you’ll bring it all back together soon.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet and drop in the butter. Once fully melted, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness ahead.
Step 4: Add Greens and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to add those fresh greens and cherry tomatoes right into the garlic butter. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, adding lovely pops of color and bursts of freshness to your dish.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything Together
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add your drained spaghetti. Toss everything together with care, gradually stirring in the reserved pasta water to gently loosen and bind the sauce to the noodles. This step transforms the dish from simple pasta to a creamy, dreamy plate of comfort.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheese and Season
Finally, remove the pan from the heat and stir in your shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Watch the cheese melt into a velvety sauce that clings to every strand. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to make the flavors shine just right.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes add an extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of herbal brightness, or add an extra handful of Parmesan for that salty finish. A drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs brilliantly with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette will soak up any leftover cheesy sauce and keep the meal feeling indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try plating the spaghetti in neat nests using tongs for a restaurant-style look. You can also bake the entire dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish that amps up the wow factor. For a fun twist, serve it in individual mini cast-iron skillets for that cozy, hearty vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain just as tasty when reheated gently.
Freezing
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that luscious texture, but if in a rush, microwave with short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and perfect, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms to keep all the flavor and texture without the meat.
How spicy is the dish with Italian sausage?
That depends on the sausage you choose. Sweet Italian sausage offers mild warmth, while hot Italian sausage delivers a spicier kick—choose based on your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the components in advance, like cooking the sausage and chopping the veggies, but it’s best to combine and serve fresh to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
What cheese works best for the cheesy component?
Parmesan is ideal for its sharp, salty flavor and great melting quality, but mozzarella offers a wonderfully creamy texture. Mixing the two can also create a delicious balance.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage Recipe, it’s easy to see why it becomes a household favorite so quickly. The rich garlic butter, hearty sausage, fresh greens, and melty cheese all come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. I can’t wait for you to dig in and spoil yourself with this slice of pasta heaven—you deserve it!
Print
Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy 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
Description
This Indulgent Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Cheesy Italian Sausage is a rich and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender spaghetti tossed with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, satisfying meal with a delicious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Spaghetti (Any long pasta can be substituted.)
Meat
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (Can substitute with chicken sausage.)
Dairy & Fat
- 4 Tbsp Butter (Olive oil can be used as a lighter substitute.)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Mozzarella (shredded) (Freshly grated cheese is preferred.)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh cloves are recommended.)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (Can swap with kale or arugula.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Other tomatoes can be used or omitted.)
Seasonings
- to taste Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
- to taste Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, stirring occasionally.
- Combine pasta and sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute olive oil for butter.
- Chicken sausage can be used in place of Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
- Other greens like kale or arugula can replace the spinach.
- Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting and taste.
- Reserve pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce.
